Utilities

Under Ohio’s new telecommunications law, some telephone companies now have the ability to annually increase monthly basic local service rates for Lifeline customers by up to $1.25. Lifeline programs provide financial assistance to low-income residents and help ensure that they can afford telephone service, either through a traditional wireline company or through a qualified wireless provider.

Columbia Gas of Ohio customers who purchase natural gas through the company’s Standard Service Offer will pay 19% less for gas this January compared to last January, the company announced this week.

Wednesday’s approvals by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) of two settlements in AEP Ohio cases and its denial to rehear a decision resulting from an appeal have a mix of results for residential consumers, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) said.

American Electric Power Ohio (AEP Ohio) customers will not experience an increase to their base distribution rates after the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), AEP Ohio and other parties reached an agreement Wednesday, that if approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), would settle the utilities’ rate increase now under consideration.

Cost-effective, energy efficiency programs will continue to be available for Columbia Gas of Ohio customers after the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) says they reached an agreement with the natural gas utility and others Monday.

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) Monday recommended a reduction of $51.8 million in American Electric Power’s distribution revenues as a part of the utility’s currently pending rate case. After evaluation of AEP’s proposal to increase distribution rates by $93 million, the OCC filed testimony at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to recommend a revenue reduction to AEP’s Columbus Southern Power of 12.43 percent and to Ohio Power by 1.37 percent.

Residential electric and natural gas customers who have experienced, or are facing, a disconnection will again have the option of making a one-time payment of $175 in order to maintain or restore their service.

On Sept. 14, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) issued its 28th annual Winter Reconnection Order allowing customers to pay their amount owed, or $175, whichever is less plus a reconnection fee of no more than $36, if applicable. This option is available until April 13, 2012.

Ohio American Water will conduct water main flushing in the Marion County service area Monday, October 10 through Friday, October 14 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.

American Electric Power customers are only getting a partial return of unjustified costs they have paid the utility as a result of a ruling by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel said.

The OCC advocated for returns and rate reductions of more than $787 million after the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled the PUCO wrongly approved costs that AEP charged its customers. The PUCO ruled only $78 million should be returned to customers.

Ohio American Water will conduct water main flushing in the Marion County service area Monday, October 3 through Friday, October 7 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.