By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
brenna@thevillagereporter.com
The Ohio Gas Company is asking state regulators for permission to raise its natural gas rates, a change that would add about $3.26 per month to the bill of an average customer.
The company filed its rate increase application with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) on May 29, 2026.
Ohio Gas is seeking about $5.4 million in additional revenue after reporting an income deficiency of $4.1 million under its current rates.
For an average residential customer using about 7,000 cubic feet of natural gas each month, the change would increase the monthly bill by around $3.26, or 4.8%.
The request is still under review and has not been approved yet by PUCO.
Ohio Gas serves 52,000 customers throughout Northwest Ohio. According to the company, it has not filed a base rate increase since 2017, and this request is only its second rate case since 1984.
In simple terms, the base rate helps pay for the system Ohio Gas uses to deliver natural gas to customers. It is separate from the actual price of the natural gas being used.
Ohio Gas said an average residential customer currently pays $19.89 in base fees. Including riders, the charge is $23.54.
Under the company’s proposal, the cost would increase by $3.26 for a new total of $26.80 for the base charge.
Large commercial and industrial customers would also see an increase. Ohio Gas is requesting an average increase of $18.02 per month for those customers.
Ohio Gas is asking PUCO to approve two new adjustments, called a Capital Expenditure Program Rider and Property Tax Adjustment Rider.
This would allow certain capital investment and property tax costs to be reflected separately in customer rates. The filing is only the beginning of the approval process.
On July 10, a PUCO administrative law judge determined that Ohio Gas’s application was complete and established a schedule for reviewing the request. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel has been allowed to participate in the case.
PUCO staff is scheduled to investigate the company’s request and file a written report by December 7, 2026. A pre-hearing conference is scheduled for February 9, 2027, with an evidentiary hearing following on February 23, 2027.
This means the $3.26 increase requested by Ohio Gas is not necessarily the amount customers will pay at the end of the day.
PUCO will review the company’s finances and proposed rates before deciding what, if any, increase will be approved.
Ohio Gas estimates that any new rates resulting from the case would take effect around the middle of 2027.
Customers may also object to the proposed rates if they believe the request is unreasonable, unjust, or discriminatory.
Ohio Gas said several factors have led to the request, including inflation, as well as higher operating and maintenance costs.
The company also said the cost of public projects also contributes to the deficit. Other expenses include regulatory requirements and the need to replace aging gas mains, service lines, risers, and meters.
Ohio Gas said its system has continued to grow considerably over the years. The company had just 31,000 customers and 120 employees in 1985. Now, it reports a 67.74% growth in customers, while also currently having 76 employees.
The company has expanded into parts of Henry County, including Hamler, Holgate, and Malinta. The case can be followed through PUCO under Case No. 26-0471-GA-AIR.
