The Direct Access Working Group (DAWG) will contribute to the Commission's consideration of Direct Access implementation by identifying, discussing, scoping, sequencing, and linking related issues, and documenting areas of consensus and controversy.
Issues to be addressed include: (1) a specific plan for the initial twelve-month phase of direct access, including participation guidelines and delineation of requirements; (2) a specific eligibility plan for direct access and whether eligibility can be held open to all consumers after the twelve-month initial phase, identification of verified technology constraints, and alternatives for expanded access after the first year; (3) rules for customer aggregation; (4) rules for market participants; (5) analysis of various metering and communication systems; (6) integration of consumer protection and education issues; as well as any additional items delineated in future Commission rulings.
Reports will delineate areas of consensus, areas of disagreement, alternate positions, and issues that require resolution outside the working Group context. No later than August 30, October 30, and December 6, DAWG will file its report on Direct Access (including metering requirements) and rules for new entrants, Consumer Protection, and Consumer Education Trust; respectively, in conformance with and as modified by Commission rulings.
The Working Group will provide a forum that promotes these activities
and coordinates overlapping concerns with other Working Groups.