Rep. Sean Brennan Urges PUCO to Put Ohio Consumers First in Enbridge Gas Rate Case

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) spoke at a public hearing this week at the State Office Building in Cleveland, urging the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reject or substantially reduce Enbridge Gas Ohio’s proposed rate increase.

Enbridge is seeking approximately $163 million in additional annual revenue, a request that could increase the average residential customer’s monthly bill by an estimated $7.60 to $9.50.

Rep. Brennan’s primary concern is Enbridge’s proposal to increase the fixed monthly charge paid by residential customers regardless of how much natural gas they use.

“Ohio families are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, housing, health care, insurance and other necessities,” said Rep. Brennan. “The last thing they need is another unavoidable charge on their utility bill.”

Rep. Brennan told PUCO that he understands Enbridge’s responsibility to maintain a safe and reliable natural gas system, including replacing aging infrastructure. However, he urged that responsibility does not mean consumers should automatically be required to pay whatever amount the utility requests.

“Safety and reliability are not negotiable, but neither is consumer affordability,” added Rep. Brennan. “PUCO has a responsibility to carefully examine every dollar Enbridge is asking Ohio consumers to provide and determine what is truly necessary and reasonable.”

Rep. Brennan also questioned the wisdom of shifting more of a customer’s bill into fixed charges.

“Conservation should matter,” expressed Rep. Brennan. “When a family turns down the thermostat, improves energy efficiency or simply uses less gas, they should have the ability to lower their bill. Increasing fixed charges takes away some of that incentive and hits customers who already use very little gas particularly hard.”

Rep. Brennan said seniors, people living on fixed incomes and lower-income households can be especially vulnerable to increases in unavoidable utility charges.

He also urged the Commission to carefully examine Enbridge’s requested rate of return and the company’s proposed capital and operating expenses.

“This is a regulated utility with a captive customer base,” said Rep. Brennan. “That means there is a special responsibility to make sure customers are paying what is necessary for safe and reliable service—not providing an excessive return or paying for costs that have not been adequately justified.”

Rep. Brennan urged PUCO to reject or substantially reduce the proposed increase, particularly the increase in the fixed residential charge, and to give affordability significant consideration in its final decision.

“No Ohio family should have to choose between paying the gas bill and buying groceries or medicine,” concluded Rep. Brennan, following the hearing. “I appreciate the opportunity to speak directly to PUCO and to stand up for the consumers who ultimately have no choice but to pay whatever rates the Commission approves.”