What is the rate case and how will customers be impacted?
You may have heard that Enbridge Gas Ohio is seeking a rate increase.
This is a normal process for a utility to go through from time-to-time. However, Enbridge Gas has not asked for a rate increase since 2007, approximately 16 years ago.
A rate case such as this takes time and is subject to approval by regulators, in this case the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Enbridge Gas has filed a request for a rate increase with the PUCO on October 31, 2023.
On December 18, 2024, we filed a “Notice of Intent to Modify Filed Positions” with the PUCO that, if approved, would have the effect of reducing the original request by 70%.
Over the last 16 years, Enbridge Gas Ohio has invested more than $4 billion in its system infrastructure, of which roughly $1 billion has yet to be recovered in natural gas distribution rates.
This investment in infrastructure, which includes replacement of pipelines, meters, and other operational assets, has increased our property taxes and other expenses as well. In addition, since our last rate case was filed in 2007, operating and maintenance costs, such as labor, material, and construction expenses, have risen substantially.
As part of a settlement with the PUCO, Enbridge Gas Ohio made a commitment in 2020 to file a natural gas distribution rate case to reflect its costs to deliver gas to customers and to recover the costs associated with operating and maintaining our equipment that allows us to provide service to customers in a safe manner that is reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible.
The rate case process can take from a year or more to complete; it started in October 2023.
We’ve completed many milestones since that first filing, and in September 2024, the PUCO held public hearings throughout our service area, which gave customers, elected officials and consumer groups the opportunity to evaluate and comment on our rate proposals.
Public hearings:
- September 18, 2024 | Cleveland | Frank J. Lausche State Office Building
- September 19, 2024 | Akron | Akron-Summit County Public Library
- September 23, 2024 | Lima | Lima Senior High School
The Company considered the feedback provided at the local public hearings and by the parties to its case. We heard your concerns about affordability of service, and on December 18, 2024, we responded by filing a “Notice of Intent to Modify Filed Positions” with the PUCO. If approved, this modified approach would reduce our original request by 70%, while still enabling us to invest in the state’s economic future.
Our modified filing would reduce the original request by 70%. If the proposal were applied to December 2024 billing information, a residential monthly total bill would increase by about 2%.
Our original 2023 filing sought an approximately 16% increase in the average monthly residential total bill.
New gas distribution rates likely won't go into effect until sometime in 2025.
Additionally, this rate increase will not impact the calculation of amounts due for income-eligible customers on the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP).
Enbridge Gas is committed to working with customers to find the payment plan and financial assistance that best fits their individual circumstances. Many options can be accessed 24/7 through our billing options and assistance page.
In addition to short- and long-term payment plans, energy assistance is offered through Enbridge Gas Ohio’s EnergyShare® program, funded by company contributions and donations from customers, employees, and retirees. Customers are also able to use other programs such as PIPP, PIPP Plus and Weatherization Assistance or seek special payment plans with us. Additional payment assistance is also offered through state and federal programs, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), PIPP, PIPP Plus and Weatherization Assistance.
Learn more about our rates and tariffs
Current natural gas rates and tariffs for residential and business customers.
