 
Winter still has Ohio in its grasp leaving many households facing higher energy bills.
Newly expanded eligibility for the HeatShare program may help more families stay connected or get reconnected to their heating source.
While HeatShare is applicable to only Columbia Gas of Ohio customers, most natural gas utilities in the state offer similar assistance. Anyone facing issues with paying their utility bills should reach out to the utility first and then to their local Salvation Army for help in enrolling in any applicable assistance program.
Chair French interviews Salvation Army Major Brennan
Get an inside look at the Salvation Army and the available assistance programs for Ohioans in this interview video.
Watch the video (10 minutes) here.
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Hazmat training grants application opens March 1
The application period for hazardous materials opens March 1, 2025. Through the annual hazardous materials training grant program, educational institutions and local governments across Ohio are awarded grants for training to best respond to incidents related to hazardous materials. In 2024, the PUCO authorized a total of $800,000 to 27 local governments and educational institutions.
Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2025.
Click here for application details.
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Chair French gives legislative testimony
On February 5, PUCO Chair French gave testimony before the Ohio House Energy Committee regarding the state of energy.
On February 12, Chair French gave testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee regarding the PUCO Fiscal Years 2026-2027 biennial budget.
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PUCO approves over $1 million in safety upgrades at rail crossings
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved safety upgrades at rail crossings in Preble, Lucas, and Hamilton counties.
Norfolk Southern Railway (NSR) will install flashing lights and gates at the East Saint Clair Street grade crossing in the city of Eaton, Preble County, by Nov. 5, 2025. Federal funds will pay $493,319 to complete the project.
Toledo Refining Company (TRC) will install flashing lights and gates at the Oakdale Avenue grade crossing in the city of Oregon, Lucas County, by Feb. 5, 2026. Federal funds will pay $335,521 to complete the project.
Indiana & Ohio Railway will install flashing lights and gates and a new surface at the Highland Avenue grade crossing in the city of Norwood, Hamilton County, by Nov. 19, 2025. Federal funds will pay $305,864 to complete the project.
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OPSB approves construction of new electric transmission line in Guernsey and Muskingum counties
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has authorized AEP Ohio Transmission Company to construct a 138 kilovolt electric transmission line in Guernsey and Muskingum counties. The Philo-Newcomerstown electric transmission line will provide electric service to two Guernsey Muskingum Electric Cooperative substations and three Ohio Power Company distribution substations in the area.
More information about the project is available here.
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FERC accepts PJM plan to speed up
On February 11, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved a proposed plan that would expedite the connection of generation facilities to the electric grid.
The plan, known as the Reliability Resource Initiative (RRI), makes a one-time change to the grid connection process at PJM. The plan will get shovel-ready, high-reliability projects on the grid faster by reducing the timeline for interconnection.
“The RRI will provide an accelerated path for generation projects that will be ready to connect to the grid and contribute much needed reliability value as PJM faces increasing demand,” stated the PUCO’s Federal Energy Advocate, Sarah Parrot.
More information about the plan is available here.
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