CenterPoint Proposes a Natural Gas Rate Increase for its consumers

CenterPoint is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to increase the rates it charges for natural gas distribution service to its 333,000 consumers in West Central Ohio. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) is analyzing the proposal and will be advocating to protect consumers.

If CenterPoint gets what it wants, consumers’ total natural gas bills will increase by about 25%. A typical monthly residential bill, currently $91.96, will increase to $115.34. That means the average CenterPoint consumer (using 100 ccf) will be paying $23.37 more per month for natural gas distribution (delivery) service – about $280 more per year.

All CenterPoint consumers would pay this distribution increase in addition to the supply charges for the natural gas they use. To learn more about the different charges that make up your monthly bill, see OCC’s “Natural Gas Bill Made Easy” fact sheet at www.occ.ohio.gov/factsheet/natural-gas-bill-made-easy.

At a time when inflation and interest rates are already driving up costs for essentials like rent, groceries, gasoline, and energy bills, a rate increase like this could hit households hard.

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) will be advocating for residential consumers in this case. Our team is dedicated to uncovering the facts and fighting for just and reasonable rates for CenterPoint’s consumers. You can help us by making your voice heard at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).

See below for ways you can let the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) know your concerns about CenterPoint’s new proposal to raise your natural gas rates.

Virtual Hearing: OCC has requested that the PUCO hold a virtual public hearing on CenterPoint’s rate increase proposal. The PUCO has not ruled on this request yet.

Jobs, health challenges, mobility issues, disabilities, childcare, eldercare, transportation limitations and other concerns make it difficult for Ohioans to attend an in-person hearing. Consumers deserve the opportunity to be heard by a PUCO commissioner.

Want to Know More?

OCC’s Motion to Intervene on behalf of CenterPoint natural gas consumers is available at this link: https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/DocumentRecord.aspx?DocID=63d3c622-f0d5-4c32-8c37-72d12525c327

Here is a link to the PUCO docket with all the filings in the case: https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?Caseno=24-0832&link=DI

Questions?

Call or e-mail your advocate, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, at 1-877-742-5622 or occ@occ.ohio.gov.