Direct Access—Electricity
Direct Access (DA) allows customers to purchase their electricity directly from competitive Energy Service Providers (ESP) rather than from Pacific Gas and Electric Company. Under DA, PG&E will continue to transport and deliver electricity to your home or business.
See a list of electric energy service providers (ESPs) that can supply your electric commodity.
Suspension of Direct Access
On September 20, 2001, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a decision that suspended DA in California. The execution of any new contracts for DA service after September 20, 2001, is prohibited. All customers who were on DA or had a signed contract with an ESP on or before September 20, 2001 are allowed keep their DA eligibility. Accordingly, Pacific Gas and Electric Company shall not accept any DA service requests (DASRs) from ESPs for accounts that are not DA eligible. For more information, see frequently asked questions.
Direct Access Switching for Eligible Customers
On May 8, 2003, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a decision regarding the rights and obligations of current DA customers who return to PG&E bundled service and who transfer to DA service.
Switch to PG&E Bundled Service
Direct Access (DA) customers choosing to return to bundled service must provide PG&E a Customer Advanced Notification Form indicating whether they wish to return in six months, return immediately, or on a transitional basis. Customers have three business days after PG&E receives their Customer Advanced Notification Form to rescind the notice and remain on DA service. Customers electing Bundled Portfolio Service (BPS) make a three-year commitment and will not be eligible to return to DA service until their three-year minimum period has been completed. At the end of the initial three-year term, customers will have the option to return to DA service or remain on bundled service.
Customer Advanced Notification Form (PDF, 89 KB)
Switch to Direct Access (DA) Service
Customers who have fulfilled their three-year Bundled Portfolio Service (BPS) commitment have the option of transferring to DA service. Customers electing to transfer to DA service after the end of the three-year BPS commitment period are required to provide to PG&E six months of advance notice using the Six-Month Notice to Transfer to Direct Access Service form. Customers have three business days after PG&E receives their Six-Month Notice to Transfer to Direct Access Service form to rescind the notice and remain on bundled service. PG&E will provide the customer a written confirmation and necessary switching process information within 10 business days of the customer's notice, including the final deadline for PG&E to receive a Direct Access Service Request (DASR) from their Energy Service Provider (ESP) to return to DA service. Customers are responsible for providing this information to their ESP.
Six-Month Notice to Transfer to Direct Access Service (PDF, 22 KB)
Form Completion Instructions
After printing and filling out either form, please mail or FAX to:
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
P.O. Box 8329
Stockton, CA 95208
FAX: 209-476-7698
Attn: DAASU
