New Report Identifies "Red Flags" in Consumer Protection and Customer Service Policies

A new report, Red Flags For Consumer Protection Policies Governing Essential Electric And Gas Utility Services: How To Avoid Adverse Impacts On Low-Income Consumers, by Barbara R. Alexander, published in October 2005, identifies the “red flags” in ongoing consumer protection and customer service policies that should be tracked by representatives of residential customers generally and low income customers in particular. The report includes case studies organized by issues and policy initiatives that have occurred or that are being proposed in a wide variety of states.

In addition, the report identifies some of the political and technological changes that are making some of these changes possible and more likely to be replicated in more states. Finally, the report suggests opportunities and arguments for participation in regulatory rulemaking and policy proceedings to prevent deterioration in consumer protection policies applicable to low income customers for essential utility services.

Page Last Updated: December 7, 2005