It’s been a quarter of a century since Ohio separated the sale of natural gas from the charge to deliver it. That opened the door for suppliers to sell the fossil fuel directly to customers using a distributor’s infrastructure.
Following regulatory norms and legislative changes in Ohio perceived as pro-utility, consumer and environmental advocates doubt regulators as it decides large rate case.
In the first of a three-part series, WOSU explores Columbia Gas of Ohio's request to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to grant the company $200 million more a year in profits for their operation in Ohio, where it is the largest distributor of natural gas. Financial records show the utility's parent company NiSource is profiting and growing while seeking increased rates in the six states it operates in.
The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel is asking for an investigation and public hearings to further review the decision by AEP to shut off power to more than a quarter of a million customers.