In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio asked regulated utilities to consider what they could do to reduce the economic impact on Ohioans and ensure utility access regardless of payment status.

The Commission made it clear these emergency measures would not relieve customers of the requirement to pay for utility service. Many regulated and non-regulated utilities responded to the request.

As the state continues to move through the pandemic, the utilities are now beginning to outline processes and procedures to request payment and if necessary, disconnect customers for nonpayment. PUCO rules and regulations require the utilities to offer payment plans to help customers maintain service.  The Commission also required the utilities to offer extended payment plans and expanded these programs to non-residential customers.

Additionally, some utilities have temporarily reduced or temporarily waived the collection of minimum demand changes for non-residential customers.

Click the links below to view each utility’s response to COIVD-19 and to receive more information about payment assistance opportunities. Links are provided to the utility’s website, their proposed restart plan (if filed with the PUCO) and to related PUCO case dockets.

Electricity

^ date pushed back to 10/5/20, as indicated on company website

Natural gas

Water