In the event a standard offer provider fails to provide service as required, the Commission will act as quickly as practicable to secure alternative service. The Commission may take any one of the following actions:
In the time period before replacement standard offer service begins, the transmission and distribution utility shall use the revenue from standard offer customers that it would otherwise transfer to the defaulting standard offer provider to cover any costs it incurs to serve the standard offer requirements pursuant to the rules of the Independent System Operator - New England or the Maritime control area, as applicable.
Amounts received as a result of the defaulting standard offer provider's financial security will be used to defray any additional costs of the replacement standard offer service so as to avoid the need for standard offer prices to increase.
If the Commission directs the transmission and distribution utility to provide replacement standard offer service pursuant to subsection (A)(4) above, the transmission and distribution utility shall use the revenue from standard offer, customers that it would otherwise transfer to the defaulting standard offer provider to cover the cost of providing replacement service. If the costs to the transmission and distribution utility of providing replacement standard offer service pursuant to this section exceed the amount available from standard offer service revenue and the proceeds from the defaulting provider's bond, letter of credit or corporate guarantee, the Commission may adjust standard offer rates such that the rates will cover the excess costs of providing the replacement standard offer service. The Commission shall, through full reconciliation, ensure recovery by the transmission and distribution utility of all costs of providing standard offer service pursuant to this section consistent with § 8(D)(3).
65- 407 C.M.R. ch. 301, § 9