Ensuring consumer privacy and ability to control access to their energy usage information to be given highest priority, declares recent resolution by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) at their Summer committee meetings.  With Congress and the U. S. Department of Energy currently looking at the issue of consumer data, privacy and access, NARUC stepped forward to voice it's opinion.  NARUC recognized the needed balance of ensuring privacy of consumer data while allowing for the benefits the deployment of smart grid promises.  NARUC also resolved that utilities, subject to State commission oversight,  need to make cost-effective decisions while at the same time safeguarding their customer's privacy, and that authorized third parties have responsibilities to protect this information and the privacy of consumers.  Finally, NARUC resolved that any Congressional or federal agency action should respect and incorporate State rules and ongoing State authority to protect ratepayers' privacy and ability to control access to their energy usage information.