CONSUMER ALERT:

Submetered apartment complexes lose utility protections unless the PUCO changes direction

Arlington Point, Gateway Lofts Columbus, Northtowne, The Edge at Arlington, and The Normandy Lofts at Norton Crossing-Whitehall apartment complexes will be affected

Nationwide Energy Partners (NEP) has demanded that American Electric Power (AEP) abandon its distribution service to consumers at certain multi-family dwellings. NEP, a reseller of utility service, will be providing your electric service instead of AEP, the utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).

The PUCO previously issued an order determining that it has no authority to regulate NEP as a public utility. Thus, you will lose protections under Ohio law that exist for residential utility consumers if NEP provides your electric service. You may lose your ability to participate in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus), which helps income-eligible consumers make their monthly payments more affordable. You will no longer be able to shop for a competitive electric service supplier. And you may not be able to utilize monthly payment plans, such as budget billing, as provided for in the PUCO’s rules. Additionally, residents may lose certain utility disconnection and reconnection protections. If you have problems with NEP service, you will lose your ability to complain to the PUCO.

Before NEP becomes your electric service provider, the PUCO will conduct a hearing to determine whether AEP’s abandonment is reasonable and serves the public welfare. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), has intervened in the abandonment proceeding, to advocate for residential utility consumers who may lose their PUCO-regulated electric utility service provided by AEP.

The PUCO did not allow OCC to intervene and participate in the case where the PUCO ruled that consumers would lose important consumer protections when they receive service from NEP. OCC has filed an appeal with the Ohio Supreme Court challenging the PUCO’s ruling. The PUCO and NEP sought to block OCC’s appeal for consumers.

It is very important for the PUCO to hear from you, the consumers directly affected by the NEP takeover. Your voices can make a difference. Here’s how: 

Make Your Voice Heard at the PUCO

In-Person at the June 24, 2024 evidentiary hearing: The PUCO has scheduled an evidentiary hearing for June 24, 2024. You can attend that hearing and provide testimony. Click for OCC tips on how to speak at local public hearings: www.bit.ly/occ-make-your-voice-heard

Online: Click on “File a Public Comment” at 
www.bit.ly/22-693

By Mail: Send a letter referencing case #22-0693-EL-ABN to: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, 
180 E. Broad St., 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.

Want to Know More?

Learn more about submetering by visiting the OCC’s website: www.occ.ohio.gov/submetering

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel has filed a Motion to Intervene in the case at: www.bit.ly/protectnorthtowne

Questions?

Call or e-mail the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, your advocate, at 1-877-742-5622 or occ@occ.ohio.gov