This guide will assist in completing the PUCO Community request for access form, which is required for first time users.
For help with creating an OH|ID account or requesting/launching application tiles, please visit the OH|ID help page.
If you have questions or need assistance, visit the PUCO Community page, contact the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-7826 or contact us online.
Step 1. Verify your contact information
If you have never accessed the PUCO Community, the first time you select the tile from the My Apps section in OH|ID, you must complete a request form. The PUCO needs additional information from you to ensure you have access to the correct services in the PUCO Community. All fields are required. Click “Next.”
Please note: If you are already a PUCO Community user and need the ability to file Gas Pipeline Safety annual reports, please contact the PUCO Call Center to have the GPS filer role added to your profile. If you are a third-party agent, please contact the PUCO Call Center to have your account set up properly to enable filing on behalf of GPS operators.
Step 2. Select your Primary action
Select your Primary action in the PUCO Community from the drop down menu. If you are an annual report filer, gas pipeline operator, or regulatory contact, select “Submit mandatory reports and/or pay assessment invoices.” Other options include "Apply for Renewable Energy Facility Certification" and "Manage Competitive Electric Service and/or Competitive Retail Natural Gas Service Certificates."
If you selected submit mandatory reports and/or pay assessment invoices, you will select which actions you need to perform in the PUCO Community.
If you select “Telecommunications Relay Service reports” your request will be submitted for PUCO staff review.
If you do not see the function you need or if you have additional information to share with the PUCO about your access needs, enter notes in the text box.
Click “Next”.
Step 3. Select "I do not have a PIN"
Some users may be prompted to enter a PUCO issued PIN. Select “I do not have a PIN.” A PIN is different than an operator ID and certificate number; do not enter a certificate number or operator ID.
Step 4. Describe your role in the PUCO Community
Select which function best describes your role in the PUCO Community. The options on this screen will be different depending on the primary function you selected in Step 2. A search window will automatically appear so you can find your company or facility.
If you are an authorized employee of a regulated utility company or a company required to file a mandatory report or pay assessments, proceed to Step 5 in this guide.
All other users, including authorized third-party agents, applicants for renewable energy facility certifications or applicants for Certified Retail Electric Services or Certified Retail Natural Gas Services certificates, proceed to Step 6 in this guide.
Step 5. Search for your account - authorized employee of regulated utility company
If you are an authorized employee of a regulated utility company, enter your company’s certificate number or PHMSA Operator ID and click “Go.” A search box will appear with results related to that certificate number or PHMSA Operator ID. If it is your company, click “Yes” to move to the next step.
If your company is not in the search results and you entered your certificate number or PHMSA Operator ID incorrectly, click “Re-enter Certificate Number”. If your company is not in the search results and you entered the certificate number or PHMSA Operator ID correctly, click “No” and your request will be sent for PUCO staff review. If you do not know your company’s certificate number or PHMSA Operator ID, click “I do not have a certificate number” and your request will be sent to PUCO staff for review.
NOTE: If you previously selected “Telecommunication relay service reports/assessments”, after entering your certificate number or company information, you will proceed to the next step and your request will be sent to PUCO staff for review.
Step 6. Search for your account
If you are an individual filing an application for renewable energy facility, search for your name or facility name. If you are an employee filing an application on behalf of your company, search for your company.
If you are an authorized third-party agent or aggregator, search for your employer, not one of the companies you represent. Enter your employer’s name and click “Search.” Select your employer from the search results provided and click “Next.” If your employer does not appear in the search results and you incorrectly entered the information, click “Previous” to re-enter your employer’s information. If your employer does not appear in the search results, click “Enter New Account Information.” Enter your employer’s information and click “Save” and your request will be sent to PUCO staff for review.
Submitting mandatory reports and paying assessments
If you represent one regulated utility company, enter its certificate number or PHMSA Operator ID. A search box will appear with results related to that certificate number or PHMSA Operator ID. Select the company you represent and click “Yes” to move to the next step. If you do not know the certificate number or PHMSA Operator ID of the company you represent, click “I do not have a certificate number” and your request will be sent to PUCO staff for review.
If you represent more than one regulated utility companies, after selecting your employer from the search results or entering new account information, your request will be sent to PUCO staff for review.
NOTE: If you previously selected “Telecommunication relay service reports/assessments”, after entering your
certificate number or company information, you will proceed to the next step and your request will be sent to
PUCO staff for review.
Step 7. Review and submit the Terms and Conditions
Review the Terms and Conditions and click "Submit".
Step 8. Confirmation
If you selected your account from the results shown and entered a certificate number or PHMSA Operator ID if required, you will have automatic access to the PUCO Community. Please click “Log Out” to log out of the PUCO Community. On the PUCO Community log in page, click “Log in with OH|ID” and log back in using the PUCO Community tile to complete the set up process.
If you did not enter a certificate number or PHMSA Operator ID, your employer information was not found or you represent multiple entities, your request has been sent to PUCO staff for review. A member of our staff will be in touch shortly.
Step 9. Log in to PUCO Community
When you log out, you will be directed to the PUCO Community log in page. Click "Log in using OH|ID" to access the PUCO Community.
Step 10. PUCO Community homepage
Once you have access to and have successfully launched the PUCO Community tile, your homepage will allow you to view certificates, file reports and pay assessments. Your homepage may look similar to the example below.
