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Household heating costs are expected to remain about the same or less than last winter, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
A wide variety of assistance programs are available for eligible Ohioans to help pay their utility bills. Such programs can provide one-time payments, adjust monthly costs or reduce energy use. Many of these programs are administered by the Ohio Department of Development and local energy assistance providers; you can check your eligibility and get started at energyhelp.ohio.gov.Â
Budgeting programsÂ
Budgeting can help you manage your bills by spreading high costs or past-due payments across multiple months.Â
Other programsÂ
Other programs may be available based on your local utility or personal circumstances:Â
Learn more about all of these programs at puco.ohio.gov/utilityhelp.
PUCO issues fines for retail energy supplier Realgy
In an approved settlement agreement, the PUCO has issued a fine of $355,000 to competitive retail electricity and natural gas supplier Realgy Energy Services for violations of PUCO supplier regulations.
“Retail energy suppliers that violate Ohio’s consumer protection laws undermine consumer confidence,” observed PUCO Chair Jenifer French. “The PUCO will continue to diligently monitor the marketplace to ensure suppliers are not taking advantage of Ohioans.”Â
Realgy Energy Services will pay a civil forfeiture of $355,000, credit impacted customers, and cease doing business in Ohio. Realgy’s owners and officers will also be barred from working in competitive energy business in Ohio.Â
More information about the settlement and staff investigation here.
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PUCO approves settlement related to AES Ohio reliability metrics
The PUCO has approved a settlement agreement related to AES Ohio’s missed electric reliability standards during 2021 and 2022.Â
AES Ohio will pay a civil forfeiture of $150,000 and make a $100,000 shareholder funded contribution to its energy bill assistance program.Â
“Consumers expect and deserve reliable electricity service,” stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French. “Today’s agreement will help to ensure that AES Ohio delivers reliable power into the future.”Â
In its order, the Commission noted AES Ohio has already provided an improvement plan to meet reliability standards, and the agreement approved today includes additional financial penalties should the utility continue to miss its standards in future years.Â
Click here to read more.
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PUCO issues fine to Enbridge Gas Ohio for pipeline safety violations
The PUCO has authorized a settlement agreement resolving violations of state and federal natural gas pipeline safety regulations. Enbridge Gas Ohio will pay a civil forfeiture of $350,000 to the State of Ohio.Â
A 2023 PUCO staff audit identified multiple failures on Enbridge’s part to maintain proper construction records, follow necessary procedures, and ensure proper operator qualifications for its outside contractors.Â
Click here to learn more.
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Rate cases filed
CenterPoint Energy Ohio
In October, CenterPoint Energy Ohio (Vectren) filed an application with the PUCO to increase its natural gas distribution rates and for approval of an alternative rate plan.
The application and opportunity to file a public comment are available in the case docket: 24-0832-GA-AIR.
AES Ohio
In October, AES Ohio filed a notice with the PUCO, informing the commission of its intent to apply to increase its rates for electric distribution service. In the notice, AES Ohio confirms it will file a full application on November 29.Â
Details regarding the upcoming application and the opportunity to file a public comment are available in the case docket: 24-1009-EL-AIR.
Learn more about the rate case process in this PUCO News Bureau.
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OPSB approves construction of solar facility in Defiance and Paulding counties, transmission line in Preble County
In November's Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) meeting, the Board approved Mink Solar, LLC’s proposal to construct a solar-powered generating facility in Defiance and Paulding counties and AES Ohio’s proposal to construct an electric transmission line in Preble County. The OPSB denied Circleville Solar, LLC’s proposal to construct a solar-powered generating facility in Pickaway County.
The OPSB denied the application for rehearing filed by opponents of the 280 MW Fountain Point Solar project to be constructed in Bokescreek Township in Logan County. The OPSB also authorized Arche Solar Energy, LLC to use sheep grazing as an optional method of vegetation management, in combination with mechanized mowing, at its solar facility in Fulton County.
The Board also approved modifications to the route of AEP Ohio Transmission Company’s Althea-Sweetgum 138 kV transmission line in Scioto County.
More information about each of these cases is available here.
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Ohio's holiday season
Holiday Lights Trail
The Ohio Holiday Lights Trail features 70+ stops that take you around Ohio. Visit these dazzling displays for an unforgettable holiday experience! Ohio.org/HolidayLights.
Ohio Holiday Events Guide
Celebrate holidays in Ohio with 400+ festive events across the state! Find events in every county all season long in the Holiday Events Guide: Ohio.org/HolidayEvents
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Scammers work year round, but become more active during the busy holiday season. The PUCO is reminding Ohioans to protect themselves by learning how to spot and stop scams.
Signs you're on the phone with a scammer:
🚨Requests for prepaid cards or money transfers
🚨Threats of disconnection or shutoff
🚨Demands for immediate payment
If you suspect you’re on the phone with a scammer, hang up immediately and call your utility.
Get updates when your rate changes
Receive an instant email or text notification when your utility changes their generation rates or natural gas prices.
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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