In addition to usage fees, Columbia Gas of Ohio customers pay a fixed rate charge that has nothing to do with gas consumption and that amount is set to increase.

Opponents of the fixed rate increase argued in the Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday that it is not in the public's interest.

Justice Pat DeWine asked Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) attorney Julian Johnson how raising rates benefits customers.

"Can you explain that?" DeWine asked.

" Well, it benefits customers because customers will not receive safe and reliable service unless Columbia has [enough funding]."

"That's kind of just an answer for any rate thing, right?" DeWine asked.

RELATED: Study reveals flaws in Ohio's retail electricity marketplace

In 2023, PUCO said it would allow Columbia Gas to increase i

See Full Page