Public Utilities News
Columbia Gas promotes safety tips for Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month
Columbia Gas is emphasizing the importance of carbon monoxide awareness as November marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month.
AEP Ohio calls on PUCO to reject unsupported data center stipulation
A statement from Marc Reitter, AEP Ohio's president and chief operating officer, has been released regarding a partial settlement in the PUCO Docket Number 24-508-EL-ATA. Reitter expressed concerns that the proposed settlement does not sufficiently address the primary issues raised by AEP Ohio in their application. He noted, "It’s unprecedented to present a 'settlement' to the PUCO that isn’t supported by the PUCO staff or the utility that initially raised the concern." He urged for its rejection.
Latest News
Local and state opposition to renewable energy growing
By Ohio Energy Reporter reports | Oct 3, 2024
Energy researcher and author Robert Bryce recently announced that there have been 735 rejections of wind and solar projects across the United States. He has been keeping track of the rejections in a database since 2015.
What’s at stake with solar cases heard by Ohio Supreme Court
By Ohio Energy Reporter reports | Sep 20, 2024
Solar generation facilities have swamped the Ohio electric grid in recent years. Six facilities have already been built, with another 37 approved by the Ohio Power Siting Board.
Columbia Gas partners with agencies during Hunger Action Month
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Aug 27, 2024
This Sunday marks the start of Hunger Action Month, and Columbia Gas of Ohio is set to collaborate with various agencies across the state to address food insecurity.
America Is All In launches solar expansion campaign in Ohio
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jun 12, 2024
American Is All In has announced the launch of their new campaign to increase the installation of solar energy panels and system in Cleveland and Akron, as well as throughout northeast Ohio.
Columbia Gas honors employees with Volunteer of the Year awards
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 21, 2024
Columbia Gas of Ohio has recognized its 2023 Volunteers of the Year, highlighting employees who contribute to their communities beyond their professional duties. The award recipients include Ironton Field Operations Leader Glen Dale Chapman, Columbus Executive Administrative Assistant Jayne Metcalf, and the team involved in LifeCare Alliance’s Meals-on-Wheels initiative.
AEP Ohio proposes new rate structure for data centers and cryptocurrency operations
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 13, 2024
On May 13, 2024, AEP Ohio, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), submitted a proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio under docket 24-508-EL-ATA. The plan aims to establish a new rate category for data center customers and cryptocurrency mining/mobile data center operations. According to the proposed rate structure, new data centers with loads exceeding 25 megawatts (MW) and cryptocurrency mining operations/mobile data centers with loads surpassing 1 MW would need to agree to certain conditions before facilities are built to accommodate them.
AEP Ohio President & COO Names New Leadership Team
By Ohio Energy Reporter | May 3, 2024
AEP Ohio, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), has recently introduced a new leadership team under the guidance of President and Chief Operating Officer Marc Reitter. The appointments were made to drive the company's commitment to enhancing customer service and adapting to the evolving utilities landscape.Ryan Forbes has been appointed as the new vice president of Distribution Operations, taking over from Tom Kratt. Forbes will oversee the construction, engineering, and maintenance of AEP Ohio's electric distribution system, catering to 1.5 million...
Columbia Gas technician aids semi-truck passengers after highway rollover
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 23, 2024
For Columbia Gas of Ohio Field Technician Curtis Van Vlerah, April 12 began like most other mornings. He was in his Columbia Gas vehicle on a loop connecting I-475 to I-75 in Toledo, near the Ryder MOD where he reports. However, his routine morning changed when he noticed the car in front of him pulling to the side of the highway and a semi-truck further ahead flipped on its side, wheels still spinning.
AEP Ohio Shares Tips for Planting Trees This Spring In Celebration of Arbor Day
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 23, 2024
Gahanna, Ohio (April 23, 2024) — Spring is here, and with Arbor Day approaching, AEP Ohio is encouraging customers to plan before planting trees to prevent future power outages. Dale Hopkins, forestry manager at AEP Ohio, highlighted the importance of proper tree placement, stating, "Trees are a top cause of power outages," while emphasizing the efforts of the forestry team to maintain a safe distance between trees and power lines.To help customers make informed decisions, AEP Ohio's forestry team provided tips for planting trees in suitable locations. Hopkins advised...
Columbia Gas promotes National Work Zone Awareness Week
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 15, 2024
Columbia Gas and other organizations throughout Ohio are promoting National Work Zone Awareness Week from April 15-19. They encourage motorists to slow down, stay alert, and respect work zone directives to help prevent incidents and fatalities.
Columbia Gas urges caution during National Safe Digging Month
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 8, 2024
In observance of National Safe Digging Month in April, Columbia Gas has released findings from a recent national survey involving 1,000 U.S. homeowners. The survey revealed that over half (51 percent) plan to undertake an outdoor do-it-yourself digging project within the next year, yet 56 percent do not intend to notify 811 beforehand, thereby posing risks to themselves and their communities.
AEP Ohio Plan to Make Electric Grid Improvements, Offer New Customer Savings Programs Approved
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 3, 2024
GAHANNA, Ohio (April 03, 2024) — AEP Ohio, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), has received approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for its Electric Security Plan (ESP). The plan outlines AEP Ohio's commitment to improving the electric grid, supporting economic development, and introducing new programs to help customers manage energy usage and save money.Marc Reitter, President, and COO of AEP Ohio, expressed the company's dedication to enhancing customer reliability while minimizing rate impacts: "Our Electric Security Plan lays...
Severe Storm Update: AEP Ohio Crews Working to Restore Power After Severe Weather
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Apr 2, 2024
GAHANNA, Ohio, April 2, 2024 - AEP Ohio crews and field personnel are actively restoring power to about 13,000 customers after storms and heavy rain took down power lines, with Northeast Columbus, Chillicothe, and Lawrence County among the hardest hit. More than 1,700 AEP Ohio crew members from over 40 service centers across the state are preparing for severe weather that will continue this evening. "Thank you for your patience."400 additional lineworkers are on their way from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Tennessee to assist with...
AEP Ohio Urges Customers to Prepare for Severe Weather During Severe Weather Awareness Week
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 20, 2024
Gahanna, Ohio - With recent deadly tornadoes and storms in Ohio, AEP Ohio, a unit of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), is using Severe Weather Awareness Week as an opportunity to remind customers to review and practice emergency plans for extreme weather events.Cherie Long, AEP Ohio’s emergency preparedness manager, emphasized the importance of preparation, stating, "Our crews work every day to take steps that will help prevent power outages during severe weather."The company outlined its preparations, including ongoing maintenance, proactive monitoring of weather...
Power Restoration Efforts Underway Following Suspected Tornadoes
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 15, 2024
AEP Ohio is currently mobilizing resources to restore power to customers affected by severe weather, including suspected tornadoes, that caused scattered power outages across their service territory. The hardest hit areas include Delaware, Galena, and Sunbury. According to AEP Ohio, "More than 500 line, tree, contractor, assessor and support personnel from across the state are working to restore power to AEP Ohio customers after severe weather caused scattered power outages across our service territory."The impact of the suspected tornadoes in Delaware County is...
Columbia Gas of Ohio emphasizes storm preparedness during Severe Weather Awareness Week
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 14, 2024
Columbia Gas of Ohio is urging customers to prepare for potential severe weather as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio, which runs from Sunday, March 17 to Saturday, March 23.
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day promotes STEM careers among young girls
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 5, 2024
On Feb. 19, Columbia Gas of Ohio team members welcomed the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland back to the Arena District office for the seventh Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day. The event, organized by NiSource employee resource group DAWN (Dedicated to Advancing Women at NiSource), aims to show young girls that a career in engineering or STEM is attainable.
Dominion Energy Warns Customers Against Utility Scams
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Mar 4, 2024
Dominion Energy South Carolina is warning customers to be vigilant and watch out for potential utility scams during National Consumer Protection Week. Sam Dozier, the general manager of customer service at Dominion Energy South Carolina, emphasized the importance of recognizing the warning signs of scams, stating, “Criminals are working around the clock to steal personal information and money from utility customers across the country. We want to make sure our customers can recognize the red flags so they don’t become a scammer’s next victim."According to Dominion Energy...