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July 2019

What does the PUCO do for Ohioans?

Introducing PUCO 101 - a new series where we explain how the PUCO works. From our call center to railroad inspections to the smart grid, we'll give you the easy-to-understand basics behind Ohio's utility regulator. 

We're starting fresh - click the above image to find out more about the PUCO. More importantly, find out what we do for Ohioans. 

Case highlights

FirstEnergy tax rate

The PUCO adopted an agreement that requires FirstEnergy to credit customers and reduce rates in light of the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, totaling nearly $900 million over the course of the next 25 years. 

The agreement also authorizes FirstEnergy’s grid modernization business plan that will allow it to pursue various modernization investments in its distribution systems. Potential capital costs will be capped at $516 million.

Additionally, the adopted agreement calls for FirstEnergy to credit customers with operational savings resulting from the investments.

More info on the agreement is available here.

Proposed rules

The PUCO issued draft rules regarding electric service standards. The proposed rules would:

• Establish guidelines regarding prepaid electric service.
• Prohibit electric bills from containing any charges other than those directly related to customers' utility service.
• Increase safeguards to protect from the unauthorized switching of customer’s electric supplier.

Comments on these rules are due by Aug. 16.

Additionally, the Commission issued proposed rules for public comment regarding utility pole attachments. Comments on those rules are due by Aug. 15.

More info on both sets of draft rules is available here.

Consumer info

Budget Billing - how can you save money on unpredictable utility bills? 

Fluctuating energy prices and weather conditions can have a dramatic influence on monthly energy bills. 

Budget billing is a program offered by Ohio's regulated electric and natural gas distribution companies that spreads out the cost of energy used during high-demand times of the year. Instead of seeing an increase in winter heating bills or summer cooling bills, budget billing breaks down total yearly usage into manageable monthly bills.

Click here to find out how you can sign up for budget billing.

Safe summer driving - if you've got a summer road trip planned, you should read this.

Ohio is the fifth most-traveled state in the nation - millions of drivers hit the road every summer. Nearly every motorist will share the road with trucks, trailers and oversized vehicles. Staying safe is everyone's responsibility.

The PUCO and the Ohio State Highway Patrol work together to conduct inspections that ensure that commercial motor vehicles (CMV) are traveling safely throughout Ohio. Last year, inspectors conducted more than 86,000 safety checks. 

See what inspectors check for when they stop a vehicle.

Events July 24 - Aug 4 PUCO at the Ohio State Fair Visit our booth for giveaways, Battle of the Bulbs, and answers to all your utility questions! Aug. 12 -14 Northeast Ohio Natural Gas Corp public hearings These public hearings provide customers the chance to express their views on Northeast Ohio Natural Gas Corp.’s application to increase its rates for distribution service. Case 18-1720-GA-AIR

Request a speaker PUCO representatives are available to speak to your organization regarding utility issues like energy choice, conservation, aggregation and more! Requesting a speaker is as simple as contacting our office.

For questions about utility matters, contact the PUCO Call Center online or at (800) 686-7826.