COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Supreme Court of Ohio will hear oral arguments Wednesday on a proposed increase in the fixed monthly charge Columbia Gas of Ohio residential customers pay for natural gas service - a case that could impact utility bills across the state.

The case stems from a 2021 application by Columbia Gas to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) seeking to raise the fixed charge on customers’ bills from $36.15 per month in 2022 to $80 by 2027, regardless of how much gas is used. Following negotiations, a 2022 settlement agreement reduced the proposed increase to $58.01 per month by 2027. PUCO approved the revised plan.

The Environmental Law and Policy Center and the Citizens’ Utility Board of Ohio are appealing the commission’s approval, arguing the rate hike is not in th

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