Regulator Approves Stipulation In Utility Expenditure Case Which Includes Retail Market Provisions

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved, without modification, a stipulation among several parties in a proceeding addressing a proposed Capital Expenditure Program (CEP) at Columbia Gas of Ohio, with the stipulation including several provisions related to the retail natural gas market

Under the adopted stipulation, Columbia agrees to meet with interested signatory parties to determine the feasibility and cost effectiveness of implementing information technology system enhancements related to commercial and industrial choice customers which shall include, but are not limited to:

1. An electronic portal that provides historic usage data of commercial and industrial CHOICE customers and can be accessed by CRNGS [competitive] providers with proper authorization from customers.

2. A mechanism that allows a CRNGS provider to provide uninterrupted and continuous service to commercial and industrial customers’ premises (without being reverted back to the SSO for one billing cycle) in the event of a customer name or ownership change; provided that the CRNGS provider provides proper and timely notice to Columbia of consent by the customer.

Under the stipulation, Columbia shall use "good faith" efforts to implement the information technology system enhancements related to commercial and industrial choice customers identified above if the enhancements have been determined to be feasible and cost effective prior to its 2021 base rate case filing.

Under the stipulation, Columbia agrees to file an application to adjust its base rates with a test period of calendar year 2021

The stipulation was signed by, among others, Columbia Gas, PUCO Staff, the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, various large customers, Interstate Gas Supply, and the Retail Energy Supply Association

Case No. 17-2202-GA-ALT