Learn More About Direct Access

An Electric Service Provider (ESP) contracts directly with customers to provide electric service and has the same obligations and responsibilities for renewable generation and resource adequacy as any other Load Serving Entity (LSE). ESPs typically offer competitive pricing and/or specialized products and services not available from a traditional utility. Under California Law, an ESP must be registered with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC or Commission).

SCE and ESP Direct Access activities are governed by SCE’s Rule 22 and Rule 22.1.

Direct Access (DA) was suspended by the CPUC on September 20, 2001. Until October 11, 2009, activity was limited to qualified ESP to ESP switches, Customer Relocations and Replacements, and Account Assignments. On October 11, 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill (SB) 695 into law. SB 695 contains DA provisions that will allow retail end-use (non-residential) customers to acquire electric service from ESPs in California subject to the rules established by the CPUC in Decision 10-03-022.

All ESPs planning to participate in DA should develop an understanding of the California electricity market restructuring process identified in CPUC Decision (D.) 10-03-022. We recommend that ESPs review the Direct Access (ca.gov) for further information on DA.