Eric Hardgrove News Today

Many Ohioans are seeing utility bill increases despite using less energy, prompting questions and concerns about their costs. A new Democratic bill could give them answers.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on Thursday agreed to a measure that could increase fixed monthly charges to 1.4 million Ohio natural gas customers by more than 50% over the next five years.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on Thursday agreed to a measure that could increase fixed monthly charges to 1.4 million Ohio natural gas customers by more than 50% over the next five years.

Fixed monthly charges could jump 50%

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on Thursday agreed to a measure that could increase fixed monthly charges to 1.4 million Ohio natural gas customers by more than 50% over the next five years.

Several environmental and consumer groups called a press conference Wednesday in front of Columbia Gas’s Columbus headquarters to give the company a lump of coal for Christmas.

Several environmental and consumer groups called a press conference Wednesday in front of Columbia Gas's Columbus headquarters to give the company a lump of coal for Christmas.

Amid high consumer inflation and spiking energy costs, Columbia Gas of Ohio could start charging each Ohio customer much more in other costs, an official with the Environmental Law and Policy Center said this week

Charity groups often depend on utilities for funds to do good works, but rate hikes by those utilities can impose more stress on low-income people the nonprofit groups serve.

Following regulatory norms and legislative changes in Ohio perceived as pro-utility, consumer and environmental advocates doubt regulators as it decides large rate case.