NEM filed comments on the Commission's inquiry into whether it is in the public interest to implement retail electric competition in Arizona. NEM discussed the many significant benefits associated with retail choice including downward pricing pressure created by competitive markets, energy product and service innovation, and the ability to choose a product to suit their individual needs. NEM also noted that utilities benefit from competition because of the ability to focus their resources on delivery infrastructure maintenance and upgrades when they are no longer required to divert resources to the performance of competitive commodity-related functions. NEM discussed the benefits realized in other states that have implemented retail choice. NEM also discussed the different market models that have been employed in other jurisdictions. The full text of NEM's Comments is available on the NEM Website.

NEM is one of the witnesses that will be testifying before the Commission at its hearing today on competitive supplier business practices. The Commission has recently received an increase in questions and complaints, mainly from residential customers. The Commission also received a petition from OPC requesting that the Commission open an investigation into supplier business practices. The Commission is holding today's hearing before deciding OPC's petition. Twenty-four witnesses are expected testify. The full text of NEM's Testimony is available on the NEM Website.

The Commission's Office of Retail Market Development (ORMD) filed its annual report on retail electric competition with the legislature. ORMD reports that there are 87 alternative retail electricity suppliers in the state. In addition as of May 31, 2013, almost 80% of the total usage in ComEd and Ameren service territories is being served by competitive suppliers. Using DOJ and FTC Guidelines, Staff analysis concluded that, "With the exception of the largest non-residential customer classes in Ameren Illinois’ Rate Zone II, there appears to be effective competition among the active retail electric suppliers in all non-residential customer segments at this time." There were nearly 3 million residential customers shopping by May 2013. In examining savings to residential customers that have switched, Staff reported that, "For the twelve-month period from June 2012 to May 2013, it is estimated that the total savings amount to approximately $268 million. The monthly average savings of about $22 million is close to the entire estimated savings of approximately $24 million for the previous year." The full text of the ORMD's 2013 Report is available on the NEM Website.