Battle over Utility Charges Headed to Ohio Supreme Court

Battle over utility charges headed to Ohio Supreme Court

The Ohio Supreme Court will examine if Columbia Gas' increased fixed charges serve the public interest amid criticism of utility practices in the state.

Battle over utility charges headed for the Ohio Supreme Court

Smart energy meter. (Stock photo via Getty Images) Ohio’s official regulator in 2023 allowed a huge increase in the fixed monthly charges Columbia Gas could collect from all residential customers.  They all have to pay the same fees, no matter how rich or poor they are, and no matter the size or density of their dwellings. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio accepted Columbia Gas’s claims that it needed the money for infrastructure improveme…