M Black would prefer the service sooner but has no objections to phasing. M Bond would like the service to be seamless and faultless at what ever date it is commenced. A discussion regarding the experience in the USA was concluded. These were compared to the experiences of the gas industry. The UK problem will differ to those of the USA in particular as the local operator will not be billing on behalf of the CPS operator.
Consumers are to consider slamming.
The paper circulated to the group in advance of the meeting emanated from the previous consumer meeting in February. A discussion covering the option of various contract periods and no contract periods at all ensued. F Sampson stated that operators should be able to cover their costs. If contract periods are permitted these would be at the commercial discretion of operators but not exceed 3 months. Comparisons with indirect access costs were made.