Public Utilities Commission schedules hearing on Dominion rate increase request
by Tim Walters

(Plain Press, August 2008)  Did you spend much of the summer weatherizing your home to save on heating costs?   Were you someone who kept your thermostat turned down last winter to save on heating costs? Were you really pleased when you saw your gas bills and realized that your efforts had paid off and your bill had gone down or at least stayed the same?

Unfortunately, your efforts have caused some discomfort at Dominion East Ohio Gas and the Public Utilities Commission. It seems that when you use less gas to heat your home, Dominion’s profits drop as that means they are delivering less gas to your home.  To solve their problem, they have requested that the PUCO authorize an increase in the distribution portion of your bill or the charge to get gas to you. This will help them increase their profits. It is difficult to determine how that will help you.

In addition, they are asking to increase their monthly service charge from the current $5.70 to $17.50. Apparently this reflects an increase in service provided. Surprisingly enough, Dominion only requested a small increase in their service charge. The PUCO staff recommended the larger increase to $17.50. Do they know something we do not about Dominion’s service?

By now, you may want to know how to express your thoughts on these proposed changes. The PUCO has scheduled a public hearing to receive comments for Monday, August 4th at 12:30PM in the Frank Lausche State Office Building in the 2nd Floor Auditorium (615 West Superior).  

It is important that if you disagree (or if you agree) with the rate requests that you come down and speak out about your concerns. You will probably have from 3 to 5 minutes to speak, you should try and bring a written copy of your comments (although that is not a requirement) and just speak from the heart about what an increase of any kind will mean to you.  Dominion will have their say, the public needs to have it as well.

You can also submit written comments to The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Attn: Docketing Div, Case No. 07-829-GA-Air, 180 East Broad St., Columbus, Ohio.

Editor’s Note: Tim Walters is an organizer at the May Dugan Center. He can be reached at 216 631-5800.

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