Rep. Brennan Urges PUCO to Reject Enbridge Gas Ohio Rate Increase

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) is urging the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reject or substantially reduce Enbridge Gas Ohio’s proposed rate increase, warning that higher fixed charges would place an unfair burden on Ohio families, seniors and low-income consumers.

Enbridge is seeking approximately $163 million in additional annual revenue from its customers. If approved, the proposal could increase the average residential customer’s monthly bill by approximately $7.60 to $9.50.

Rep. Brennan submitted public testimony to PUCO opposing the increase, with particular concern about Enbridge’s proposal to increase the fixed monthly charge customers pay regardless of how much natural gas they use.

“Ohio families are already being squeezed by the rising cost of groceries, housing, health care, electricity and other necessities,” said Rep. Brennan. “The last thing they need is another unavoidable charge on their utility bill. PUCO has a responsibility to determine what Enbridge actually needs to provide safe and reliable service—and what Ohio consumers can reasonably afford. Regulated utilities have an obligation to serve Ohio consumers, and the PUCO has an obligation to protect those consumers.”

Rep. Brennan recognizes that Enbridge has a responsibility to maintain a safe and reliable natural gas system, including replacing aging infrastructure. However, he argues that legitimate infrastructure needs do not automatically justify every expense or the level of return requested by the company.

Rep. Brennan is particularly concerned about increasing fixed charges because customers cannot reduce those charges by conserving energy.

“If a family turns down the thermostat, improves the efficiency of its home or otherwise uses less gas, it should see a meaningful reduction in its bill,” Rep. Brennan added. “Increasing the fixed portion of the bill undermines that incentive and disproportionately affects people who already use relatively little natural gas.”

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel has also raised concerns about affordability and the impact of higher fixed charges on residential customers.

Additionally, PUCO Staff has recommended a substantially smaller increase than Enbridge is seeking, demonstrating the importance of carefully reviewing the utility’s request.

“As the son of a single mom who struggled to make ends meet, a former public school teacher and now as a state representative, I know what it means to work within a household budget and make difficult choices about where every dollar goes,” Rep. Brennan said. “No Ohio family should have to choose between paying its utility bill and buying groceries or medicine.”

Rep. Brennan is asking PUCO to:

• Reject or substantially reduce Enbridge’s proposed rate increase;
• Reject or significantly reduce the proposed increase in the fixed monthly residential charge;
• Closely scrutinize Enbridge’s proposed capital and operating expenses;
• Carefully review the company’s requested rate of return; and
• Ensure that any approved rates reflect only the costs necessary to provide safe and reliable service while protecting Ohio consumers from unnecessary expenses.