Public Utilities News
AEP Ohio advises on safe tree planting near power lines
As spring begins, AEP Ohio is urging customers to plan carefully before planting trees near power lines.
Ashley Weaver appointed VP of Gas Operations at Columbia Gas of Ohio
Columbia Gas of Ohio has named Ashley Weaver as Vice President of Gas Operations, commencing her role on March 1, 2025.
Latest News
Columbia Gas highlights aid programs for National Energy Assistance Day
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 31, 2025
Columbia Gas of Ohio is highlighting the availability of financial assistance programs for customers struggling with energy bills, in light of National Energy Assistance Day on January 31.
Gas technician commended for stopping potential house fire in Alliance
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 22, 2025
On November 15, Lance Stocker, a maintenance and repair technician with Columbia Gas of Ohio, was conducting routine adjustments on regulator stations in Alliance.
AEP Ohio seeks approval for $350 million grid improvement plan
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Jan 6, 2025
AEP Ohio, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, has submitted a stipulation to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for approval of its latest plan aimed at enhancing power grid reliability and reducing outages.
Columbia Gas reminds customers to prepare for winter weather
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Dec 17, 2024
Columbia Gas of Ohio has issued a reminder for its customers to prepare for the colder months as winter approaches.
HeatShare Program expands aid for more families through partnership with The Salvation Army
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Dec 11, 2024
Columbus – The Salvation Army, in collaboration with Columbia Gas of Ohio, has announced the expansion of the HeatShare Program.
Columbia Gas promotes safety tips for Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Oct 30, 2024
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
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Oct 11, 2024
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.
Service technician aids injured cyclist after unexpected roadside encounter
By Ohio Energy Reporter | Oct 4, 2024
A service technician from Springfield, Chris Tucker, recently found himself in a critical situation when he and his son came across an unconscious cyclist lying on the road.
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.