In a pivotal meeting on May 18, 2025, the Maryland Public Service Commission faced a significant decision regarding Agway Energy Services LLC's request to cancel its electricity and gas supplier licenses. The commission initially moved to approve the cancellation, but the Maryland Office of People's Council (OPC) raised concerns, advocating for Agway to maintain its licenses and bonds for at least three more years to protect former customers.
OPC's representative, Milan Tuck Mikhail, argued that Agway, which has been licensed since 2017, should remain accountable for any potential complaints from its past customers. Despite Agway claiming it has no current customers, OPC highlighted that the company had serviced residential clients within the last three years, emphasizing the need for ongoing regulatory oversight.
The commission has previously denied similar requests from other suppliers, citing the public interest in ensuring that companies remain accountable for future complaints. OPC urged the commission to adopt a consistent policy requiring suppliers to retain their licenses and bonds for a specified period after ceasing operations, thereby safeguarding consumer interests.
Commissioners expressed a desire for clearer guidelines on license relinquishment, suggesting that a standardized three-year requirement could streamline future decisions and enhance administrative efficiency. The discussion underscored the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and the operational realities of energy suppliers in Maryland.
As the meeting concluded, the commission's decision on Agway's request remains pending, with implications for how similar cases will be handled in the future. The outcome could set a precedent for the energy sector in Maryland, shaping the regulatory landscape for years to come.