Details about rate case filings

Base rates recover the costs to install, repair, upgrade, and operate Columbia Gas of Ohio's natural gas delivery system. This system includes approximately 20,000 miles of pipelines, regulator stations, meters, and other facilities. 

For our small general service customers, who are generally residential and small commercial customers, base rates are made up of a fixed monthly delivery charge. The fixed monthly delivery charge is separate from natural gas commodity costs and is billed regardless of natural gas usage.

The gas commodity costs recover the cost of the natural gas used by a customer. For customers served by Columbia's default service, the standard choice offer ("SCO"), natural gas costs are set at market rates; Columbia does not make any money, nor is it raising any rates on the gas commodity portion of the bill.

Columbia Gas is seeking approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to adjust the fixed monthly delivery charge for our small general service customers, commonly referred to as base rates.

Unlike most businesses, which can timely change their product or service price to respond to increases in costs, regulated utilities — like Columbia Gas — must submit a detailed request to change their base rates. The request includes evidence to support the increase and demonstrate how the request benefits customers.

The process — referred to as a rate case — must be decided by the PUCO.

If the PUCO approves Columbia's proposed adjustment, the average total bill for a small general service customer who uses 10 Mcf of gas per month will increase from $93.53 to $105.70 per month, or by 13.0% percent.

It has been over 13 years since our last rate adjustment. The cost to upgrade our systems and continue to provide reasonable customer service is going up. To continue to provide safe, affordable, and reliable natural gas service, we must continue to invest in our system to upgrade aging infrastructure, just as investments are made in bridges, roads and other infrastructure in our cities, towns and communities.

Columbia Gas has prepared a detailed rate request that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio will fully review. This request includes evidence to support this increase and its benefits to customers. The rate case will also include a public hearing where customers will have an opportunity to have their voices heard.

Infrastructure Upgrades
We are enhancing the safety of our system through our pipeline replacement program. We will continue to be a leader in pipeline replacement in Ohio and invest millions of dollars each year to replace aging distribution pipelines. We remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient natural gas distribution service, and we plan to dedicate more than $265.1 million in 2021 just to replace aging infrastructure.

System Reliability
Upgrades to the system with plastic and cathodically protected steel pipe maintain safety and provide an upgraded system design ensuring more reliable service during extremely cold temperatures. The new system also provides more flexibility in adding new, high-efficiency equipment and allows for the installation of smaller, less expensive interior piping systems for customers.

Job Creation
Our pipeline replacement program is adding jobs, both full-time employees (engineers, engineering technicians, land agents, and construction inspectors) as well as contractors who perform the actual pipe replacement (including laborers, equipment operators, crew leaders and support staff), and associated support services such as paving, traffic control, trucking, sand and gravel, and a myriad of other material purchases and support activities.  We take our commitment to our local communities seriously. We are proud of the 1200 full-time employees and nearly 170 contractor crews working every day across Ohio who comprises the Columbia Gas team.

In a general rate proceeding such as this, it could take the PUCO many months to review the filing and issue a formal order, with the new rates effective sometime in 2022. For more information on the filing or specific programs detailed in the filing, visit our Rates and Tariffs page.

Anyone interested in the case can participate in the process. Customers can reach out to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Information on how to get involved is included in our public notice in newspapers of general circulation in Columbia's service area.

All of the documents that are part of this rate adjustment request can be found on PUCO's website. The Docket Number for this rate case is Case No. 21-637-GA-AIR, et al.

Columbia is filing a rate case to meet our commitment to settle another proceeding in the fall of 2018. That commitment requires Columbia to file its rate case application by July 1, 2021. 

Columbia understands that requesting a rate increase with the COVID-19 pandemic ending soon can be challenging, but Columbia has taken steps to try to assist customers during the crisis. Columbia Gas suspended shutoffs for non-payment for residential and commercial customers from the beginning of the pandemic until August 2020.  We also paused late fees for residential customers and provided flexible payment plans for customers.

At all times, Columbia Gas is committed to providing our customers with the tools, resources, and programs to stay safe and warm in their homes. These programs help customers mitigate the impact of a rate adjustment or financial changes due to economic conditions.

Budget Payment Plan
Available to all Columbia Gas customers, the Budget Payment Plan allows customers to spread annual bills evenly across the year instead of paying account balances each month, helping to eliminate high winter bills. The budget year begins in August, but customers can enroll any time during the year. 

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Columbia Gas serves as a link to federal energy assistance funds, which provide help with residential heating costs. These energy grants do not have to be repaid by the customer. Enrollment guidelines, which are revised each new heating season, are based on household size and income. 

Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus)
This payment reduction program allows you to pay just six percent of your monthly household income or a minimum of $10 for your gas service each month.  Your local Community Action Agency provides PIPP Plus enrollment.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) 
HEAP provides one-time payment assistance to your Columbia Gas account.  You can apply online or contact your local Community Action Agency for more information.

Winter Crisis Program
This program provides assistance once per heating season if you're eligible and disconnected or threatened with disconnection for non-payment.  To be eligible, you must sign up for PIPP Plus or another payment plan.  Applications are accepted through your local Community Action Agency.

WarmChoice®
By participating in our WarmChoice® program, you can reduce your bill by up to 30 percent through a free energy inspection and weatherization.  Income-qualified homeowners and renters may receive a home energy inspection which includes safety checks on natural gas appliances.  Possible energy efficiency services may include attic and wall insulation, air sealing and repair or replacement of natural gas appliances – all at no cost.

HEATSHARE
Administered by the Salvation Army, HeatShare is a fuel fund that combines customer, employee and stakeholder donations with company donations to assist you.