Ohio counsel advises residents on utilities reconnection – Lima News

COLUMBUS — The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio announced Wednesday its annual Special Reconnect Order for the 2026-2027 winter heating season but declined additional protections for residents to maintain utility service.

In its press release, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel stated it expressed to PUCO the need for consumer protections based on the commission's latest utility reports. Utilities reportedly disconnected electric services to 344,589 Ohio households from June 2025 through May 2026, while past-due balances climbed from $495 to $558, the counsel said.

Meanwhile, the counsel said that PUCO rejected its following requests:

• Provide additional safeguards for consumers unable to obtain timely energy assistance appointments, and protect eligible consumers from losing Percentage of Income Payment Plan benefits because of delays in the assistance system.

• Suspend utility disconnections during the winter heating season.

• Create a Summer Reconnect Order so families are not left without fans or air conditioning during extreme heat.

• Suspend disconnections during National Weather Service extreme-temperature advisories.

• Require utilities to report disconnections and reconnections by ZIP code so communities experiencing the greatest need can be identified, and assistance can be better targeted.

The Special Reconnect Order will be in effect from Oct. 12 through April 16. Consumers of PUCO electric or natural gas utilities can pay a maximum of $175 to maintain or restore service if they are facing disconnection or have been disconnected. A reconnection fee is limited to $36, with payment plans applicable.

Consumers may use the Special Reconnect Order once per utility during the winter heating season, the press release said. There is no income limit for using the Special Reconnect Order itself.

Consumers who need help can contact their utility or call the Ohio Department of Development Energy Assistance Hotline at 1-800-282-0880.

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