ELPC Press Release
Columbus, OH
November 02, 2022
Gas prices have increased dramatically the last two years, and customers have already seen large increases in their bills. Bills essentially doubled from 2020-2021 and stayed high. Columbia itself has said its energy efficiency programs help customers control those bills, but it has agreed to cancel them to get a settlement.
On top of canceling efficiency, Columbia raising the fixed monthly charges would reduce customers’ ability to control their bills by turning down their thermostats and using less gas. Hence, this case will hurt lower- and middle-income customers disproportionately.
January UPDATE: The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved the Plan. ELPC comments here.