Core Transport Agent Legislation and Decisions

Since 1991, when the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued Decision (D.) 91-02-040, all California customers have the option to choose a non-utility gas supplier to procure their supply of natural gas. These unregulated gas suppliers, known as Core Transport Agents or CTAs, procure gas for the residential and small commercial customers known as “core” customers. The gas supplied by CTAs is delivered over the regulated utilities’ pipeline systems.

The CPUC does not regulate the rates or fees for gas services supplied by CTAs. However, in 2013, Senate Bill 656 required the CPUC to regulate certain aspects of CTA services having to do with consumer protections and the resolution of consumer complaints. In 2014, the CPUC issued D.14-08-043, which set interim registration standards for Core Transport Agents. In 2018, D.18-02-002 established permanent financial, technical, and operational standards for CTAs and set up a range of consumer protection processes.