  A successful year
Each year, the PUCO remains dedicated to ensuring access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services as well as keeping Ohio's railroad crossings and highways safe.
2023 was no different:
- Investigators in the PUCO's Consumer Call Center saved Ohioans more than $1.5 million;
- The Commission approved more than $11 million to upgrade railroad crossing safety across the state;
- $800,000 in grant funding was awarded to 21 organizations to help train over 1600 individuals to respond to hazardous materials incidents;
- Motor carrier inspectors carried out over 54,000 inspections in partnership with the Ohio State Highway Patrol;
- and much more!
Check out this year's PUCO recap and learn more about the great work of the agency.
PUCO Nominating Council seeks applicants for commissioner position
The PUCO Nominating Council is seeking applications for the position of commissioner of the PUCO to fill a vacancy for the term commencing on April 11, 2024 and ending on April 10, 2029. Applications must be delivered to the Nominating Council no later than 5 p.m. EST on Jan. 11, 2024.
The PUCO is comprised of five commissioners appointed to rotating, five-year terms by the governor. The commissioners are responsible for regulating Ohio’s investor-owned public utilities.
More details about the position and hiring process are available here.
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Settlement agreement approved for Aqua Ohio water and sewer rate cases
The PUCPO has approved unopposed settlement agreements that set new rates for water for Aqua Ohio, Inc. and sewer service for Aqua Ohio Wastewater, Inc.
“Assuring safe drinking water and sewer systems is a crucial aspect of Aqua’s responsibility to their customers,” stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French.
The average residential user using 4,000 gallons of water per month will see a $2.89- $3.55 increase in their monthly water bill, and a $4.05-$4.75 increase in monthly sewer bill, depending on service territory.
More information about the settlement agreement is available here.
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Winter Crisis Program still available for Ohioans
The Winter Crisis Program is a special component of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and is administered by community action agencies throughout Ohio. Heating assistance for income eligible Ohioans is available November 1 through March 31.
Ohioans with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines that are facing disconnection, have been disconnected or have less than a 25 percent supply of bulk fuel in their tank are eligible for the program.
Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply here.
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OPSB approves construction of natural gas pipeline in Butler County
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has approved Duke Energy Ohio’s proposal to replace 5.1 miles of natural gas pipeline located in the city of Monroe and Liberty and Lemon townships in Butler County.
Additionally, the OPSB granted, in part, and denied, in part, applications for rehearing filed by various parties regarding the adoption of new administrative rules on all areas of OPSB jurisdiction, including the development of solar energy projects.
More information about this month's OPSB meeting is available here.
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PUCO staff celebrates giving
At the annual all-staff meeting, PUCO employees donated over 540 pounds of food to the Mid-Ohio Food Collective to help put meals on the tables of those who need it most.
Earlier in the year, PUCO staff also raised over $30,000 as part of the State of Ohio Combined Charitable Campaign. Those funds will go to charities supporting many causes across Ohio.
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Serious scents
During the holiday season, you're likely used to the comforting smells of baked cookies and fresh pine, but there's one smell that could mean serious business.
Natural gas, by itself, is odorless. But an added safety odorant can cause it to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. That smell can alert you to natural gas leaks in your home. Here's what to do if you smell natural gas:
Get updates when your rate changes
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Join the PUCO
 Interested in joining our team? The PUCO employs engineers, lawyers, analysts, accountants, customer service representatives, human resource professionals, auditors and many more!
Positions are posted regularly to Careers.Ohio.gov. Use the filter to select "Public Utilities Commission" to see all open jobs.
View all open positions at Careers.Ohio.gov.
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