OSC successfully challenges Columbia Gas of Ohio, resulting in lower rate hikes
- Category: Energy/Utilities
OSC successfully challenges Columbia Gas of Ohio, before the Ohio Public Utilities Commission, resulting in lower rate hikes and more savings for school districts
Together with other organizations representing residential, commercial, and industrial users, the Ohio Schools Council (OSC) contested Columbia Gas of Ohio’s (COH) request to the Ohio Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for a $212 million increase in customer prices. The OSC and the other organizations were successful in obtaining a 67% decrease in COH’s intended massive rate hike. To challenge COH’s efforts, the OSC, which represents school districts in northern Ohio, devoted specialized legal services and expert witness testimony.
The clearest win for schools was an increase in the School Ratepayer Discount from 5% to 7.5%. In addition to the increase in the monthly School Ratepayer Discount, the OSC was also able to negotiate a 12% savings in the monthly General Service fixed cost.
OSC would like to thank Bellevue City Schools, Clearview Local Schools, North Royalton City Schools and Sylvania City Schools for the usage data which was utilized by the OSC Expert Witness during the case.
Dr. William Zelei, the Executive Director of the OSC, stated that the OSC’s $50,000 investment in expert witness testimony and attorney legal service expenses was necessary to defend the financial interests of school districts throughout northern Ohio. “We are ecstatic with the accomplishment and grateful for the opportunity to continue assisting our member schools districts.”
Funding of this appeal is a great example of the value added services gained by choosing OSC as a utility supplier.
Questions? Contact OSC Utilities Manager, Barb DelRoso via bdelroso@osconline.org and she will be happy to assist.