Need help with your utility bills?

There are many assistance programs that are available to residential customers when it comes to their electric, natural gas, telephone or water bills.

If you're struggling with bills, now is the time to check out one of these programs:

• Special Reconnect Order - pay a one-time amount of $175 to have your service restored or maintained
• Winter Crisis Program  - households at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines can maintain their utility service
• Home Weatherization Assistance Program - reduces low-income households' energy use
• Extended Payment Plans - make affordable payments and pay down past due amounts

These programs, along with many others, can help you manage your bills and keep your service on throughout the winter.

Click here to find programs you may be eligible for.

Natural gas bills expected to decrease this winter

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average natural gas bill will be lower compared with last winter. Natural gas is the primary heating fuel for 46% of American households. 

Read more about the predicted winter season here.

$1 million+ in rail crossing upgrades approved

The PUCO has approved safety upgrades for rail crossings in Butler, Fayette and Warren counties. Safety upgrades can include flashing lights, gates or other enhancements to the crossings. 

The affected crossings are:

• Augspurger Road in New Miami, Butler County
• West Temple Street in Washington Court House, Fayette County
• Gustin Rider Road/C.R. 187 in Warren County

More information about the approved upgrades is available here.

OPSB extends construction timeframe for natural gas-fired power plant in Lucas County

The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has granted an application filed by Clean Energy Future-Oregon, LLC for an 18-month extension of its certificate to construct the Oregon Energy Center in Oregon, Ohio. The extension comes as the result of supply chain delays caused by the Covid‑19 pandemic, as well as the transition of the facility to a new owner, CPV Oregon Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Competitive Power Ventures.

Read more about the extension and other OPSB business from November's meeting here.

Federal comments filed

In November, the PUCO's Office of the Federal Energy Advocate filed two sets of comments before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The first set of comments was filed regarding various modifications to PJM Interconnection's capacity markets. 

Click here to read those comments.

Additional comments were filed before FERC in response to complaint filed by the Ohio's Consumer Counsel regarding expanded oversight of transmission projects.

Those comments are available here.

Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships funding opportunity

The second round of funding under the federal Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program is now available. The program aims to enhance grid flexibility and improve the reliability of the power sector's infrastructure.

Once again, the PUCO is soliciting concept papers from eligible entities. Submissions are due December 14, 2023.

Information about the program as well as how to submit a concept paper is available here.