(8-16-24) Enbridge Gas Ohio (formerly Dominion Energy) is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for a 30% hike in what it charges consumers for natural gas distribution service.

The proposed increase, if approved, will cost a typical residential consumer more than $100 a year, beginning this year. But that’s not all. The utility is also seeking approval to add extra fixed monthly charges that would start at $8.78 this year and gradually rise to $29.69 per month by 2032. Fixed charges are billed to you before you use any natural gas and can’t be reduced by conserving gas.

After a careful analysis of Enbridge’s request, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) concluded that this increase is unjustified. A 30% increase would unreasonably burden Enbridge customers who are already grappling with inflation and high energy prices.

OCC is calling for a $294 million rate decrease or a 32% reduction in consumers’ distribution bills. Under OCC’s proposal, the fixed monthly service charge to Enbridge’s 1.2 million Ohio consumers would decrease to $25.57 per month from the current $43.27 monthly charge. OCC also supports decreasing the monthly add-on charges Enbridge proposed for its capital expenditure program and its pipeline infrastructure investment.

In addition, OCC is also seeking more assistance for Enbridge’s at-risk consumers including increased bill payment assistance, summertime bill assistance, additional payment plans for consumers behind on their bills, and a PUCO statewide investigation into utility service affordability for Ohio’s growing low-income population.

The PUCO Staff also has analyzed Enbridge’s request and has recommended a decrease in rates, although not as large as the decrease OCC recommends.

These recommendations for a rate decrease for Enbridge’s consumers, instead of a rate increase, are a positive step for consumers.  But much lies ahead in the case. The final decision will lie in the hands of the five PUCO Commissioners.

You can make an impact.

Make Your Voice Heard at the PUCO

Exercise your right to be heard at the PUCO, in-person, online or by mail:

In-Person: The PUCO local public hearing locations and times for testimony are listed below.

Public hearings are a crucial part of the utility rate case process in Ohio. They allow consumers to express their opinions and concerns to the PUCO Commissioners directly. This participation is important because it helps ensure that the final PUCO decision considers the impact on consumers.

Here are the recently announced public hearings:

  • 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024 — Frank J. Lausche State Office Building, 615 W. Superior Ave., Cleveland
  • 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024 — Akron-Summit Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron
  • 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, 2024 — Lima Senior High School Auditorium, 1 Spartan Way, Lima