 Digging up new programs
Â
A new grant program from the PUCO is already helping to protect underground utilities and save everyone from costly surprises.
Funds from the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Grant help boost awareness, training, and safety in the field.
In April, the PUCO handed out over $70,000 to 9 organizations. Two of them shared how they’ll put that money to work!
PUCO issues order lowering s
The PUCO has issued an order establishing new lowered base distribution rates for Enbridge Gas Ohio (formerly known as Dominion Energy Ohio). Â
The Commission determined that Enbridge Gas Ohio should lower rates such that its annual revenues decrease by approximately $26.3 million.
Average customer bill impacts are not immediately available. The Commission ordered Enbridge Gas Ohio to file updated tariffs to implement new rates as soon as possible.
More information about this order is available here.
|
PUCO commissioners participate in regional conference
Earlier this month, PUCO commissioners attended and participated in the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (MACRUC) Annual Education Conference.
Commissioners Williams, Conway, Friedeman and Deters, as well as Chair French, all participated in sessions discussing utility cybersecurity, lead pipe replacement programs, upcoming utility issues and more.
Additionally, Commissioner Deters was nominated and elected as the new MACRUC President.
Find more information about MACRUC here.
|
Case updates
AES Ohio - 24-1009-EL-AIR
PUCO staff have filed a staff report regarding AES Ohio's application to increase its electric distribution rates.Â
Read the full report here.
|
OPSB approves construction of solar energy project in Knox County
The OPSB has approved an agreement allowing Frasier Solar, LLC to construct a 120-megawatt solar-powered electric generation facility in Clinton and Miller townships in Knox County.
Frasier Solar must adhere to 62 conditions designed to minimize potential impacts during the construction and operation of the facility.
The agreement approved by the OPSB was signed by parties, including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Unions 688 and 1105, and the Ohio Environmental Council. Â
More information about this project and other OPSB business from this month is available here.
|
FMCSA streamlines medical certification process
A new rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) now allows electronic transmission of driver medical certification, instead of paper records.
This rule reduces paperwork, streamlines verification and improves safety for commercial motor carriers.
More info about the new rule is available at the FMCSA website.
|
|
 |
PUCO approves rail crossing upgrades in 3 counties
This month, the PUCO approved safety upgrades at rail crossings in Butler, Warren and Cuyahoga counties.
In Butler County, Norfolk Southern Railway will install gates and flashing lights at the Maple Avenue grade crossing in Hamilton.Â
Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad will install flashing lights, gates and a new surface at U.S. 42 grade crossing in Warren County.
Norfolk Southern Railway will also install flashing lights, gates and traffic preemption at the C.R. 186/Eastland Road grade crossing in Cuyahoga County.
Get more details on these projects and other PUCO rail news here.
|
New web upgrades
Government aggregation map updated
New updates have been rolled out to the PUCO government aggregation maps. The updated resource has enhanced functionality, improved user interface and increased responsiveness for those viewing on mobile devices. This tool replaces the Electric Government Aggregator Mapping Application and the Natural Gas Government Aggregator Mapping Application, both of which are no longer being updated and will be expired from the website in mid-August.
Check out the new map here!
Understanding your electric and natural gas bills
Updates to two PUCO webpages now allow consumers to learn common terms associated with their natural gas or electric bill, as well as review line items with an interactive bill calculator.
|
Lightning Safety Awareness
 Â
Heavy storms can turn dangerous in a flash. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike and you should seek shelter immediately.
By the time you read this, Lightning Safety Awareness Week will be over! But you can protect yourself from storms all summer long.
Learn more from the National Weather Service on how to avoid the threat of lightning strikes.
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.
|
