<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 20.53.10.04" title_num="20" subtitle_num="53" chapter_num="10" heading="Agent Training.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A supplier shall ensure the training of its agents on the following subjects:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Local, State, and federal laws and regulations that govern marketing, telemarketing, consumer protection and door-to-door sales as applicable to the types of marketing and jurisdiction in which the agent shall engage or operate;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Responsible and ethical sales practices;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The supplier’s products and services;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The supplier’s rates, rate structures, billing, and payment options;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The customer’s right to rescind and cancel contracts;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>The applicability of an early termination fee for contract cancellation when the supplier has one;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>The necessity of adhering to the script and knowledge of the contents of the script if one is used;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>The proper completion of transaction documents;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>The supplier’s Contract Summary;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(10)">
      <text>Terms and definitions related to energy supply, transmission and distribution service as found online at the Commission’s website;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(11)">
      <text>Information about how customers may contact the supplier to obtain information about billing, disputes, and complaints; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(12)">
      <text>The confidentiality and protection of customer information.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>If an agent represents a supplier engaged in supplier-consolidated billing, the agent shall be able to explain:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>That the customer will receive one bill from the supplier going forward with the utility’s and supplier’s charges;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>That the customer will pay the supplier directly for all charges billed;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>That the customer must pay previous billers if the customer has charges outstanding; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Information on where the customer can find the utility’s toll-free telephone number to resolve future concerns relating to outages and safety.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A supplier shall document the training of an agent and maintain a record of the training for 3 years from the date the training was completed.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Training Records.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A supplier shall make training materials and training records available to the Commission and the Office of People’s Counsel upon request.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Training records shall be treated as confidential.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>When a supplier contracts with an independent contractor or vendor to perform marketing or sales activities on the supplier’s behalf, the supplier shall confirm that the contractor or vendor has provided supplier-approved training to agents and independent contractors in accordance with this section.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The supplier shall monitor telephonic and door-to-door marketing and sales calls to:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Evaluate the supplier’s training program; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Ensure that agents are providing accurate and complete information, complying with applicable rules and regulations, and providing courteous service to customers.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>