Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

06/08/2026

Severe storms are part of Ohio summers, and so are unexpected power outages. Lightning Safety Awareness Week is a great time to refresh your storm prep:

• Know how to report an outage
• Build or refresh an emergency kit
• Have a plan if you rely on medical equipment
• Check in on neighbors when the lights go out

Preparedness guide: https://www.occ.ohio.gov/factsheet/power-outage-tips-and-customer-rights

06/08/2026

Over a decade ago, the Columbus Dispatch investigated a troubling practice: unregulated "submetering" companies reselling electricity to Ohio apartment residents at markups of up to 40%, with no way to complain to the PUCO and no consumer protections.
That was 2013. In 2026, it's still happening.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel is fighting to change that. If you're an apartment resident who has experienced inflated utility bills from a submetering company, we want to hear from you.

Share your story: https://www.occ.ohio.gov/content/apartment-residents-deserve-same-utility-protections

And read the original investigation here: https://www.columbusceo.com/story/business/2013/10/22/shocking-cost-investigation-utility-middle/22959923007/

Consumer protection for utility customers sometimes stops at the apartment door in Ohio. Unlike most states, Ohio allows unregulated, third-party "submeter" companies to make big profits by reselling…

06/05/2026

If you rent an apartment or condo and get your electricity through a submetering company, proposed changes at the Statehouse could affect you. In April of this year, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that electric submetering companies, like Nationwide Energy Partners, are public utilities. This means that submetered customers are now granted by the court the same protections and rights as someone who would be serviced from AEP, Duke, AES, or FirstEnergy.

Submetering companies are asking Ohio lawmakers to reduce oversight and weaken consumer protections under House Bill 173. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel opposes the bill and believes that legislators should hear directly from the Ohioans who would be affected.

You now have an opportunity to testify either in person or written-only, and make your voice heard. Wednesday, June 10th at 10am, the Ohio Senate Public Utilities Committee will be hearing all testimony on HB 173 and will consider a vote.

To testify on the bill, you must submit your testimony by 10am on June 9th at this link - https://ohiosenate.gov/committees/public-utilities/meetings/cmte_s_pub_utilities_1_2026-06-10-1000_1423/upload-testimony
Learn more: https://www.occ.ohio.gov/content/apartment-residents-deserve-same-utility-protections
Read the bill: legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb173
Read the Ohio Supreme Court’s opinion:http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/0/2026/2026-Ohio-1406.pdf

06/04/2026

Stay connected with the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel for neighborhood-specific utility alerts! Join Nextdoor for local conversations and get savings tips right in your community:

Nextdoor is the neighborhood hub for trusted connections and the exchange of helpful information, goods, and services.

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

The summer heat is picking up fast! Inadequate home insulation can contribute to higher utility costs. HWAP is a federally funded energy efficiency initiative for eligible residential consumers. Check your eligibility here:

The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

05/26/2026

Do you receive a utility bill from your landlord or a submetering company? OCC wants to hear from you.

Ohio lawmakers and regulators are making decision right now about protections for submetered consumers—and your experience matters.

Have you dealt with:
• High utility bills?
• Surprise charges or fees?
• Trouble getting payment plans?
• Shutoff notices or billing problems?

Three ways to make your voice heard:
1. Share your story with OCC. Email [email protected] or visit https://www.occ.ohio.gov/content/apartment-residents-deserve-same-utility-protections
2. Submit a public comment to the PUCO in Case Nos. 24-106-EL-ATA and 24-107-EL-AAM at puco.ohio.gov
3. Contact your state representative about HB 173. Find your legislator: www.legislature.ohio.gov

05/26/2026

This Memorial Day, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel remembers and honors the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We are committed to supporting those who served and their families by providing essential utility resources and consumer protections. Details: https://occ.ohio.gov/factsheet/military-families-consumer-assistance

05/22/2026

Does your utility bill come from your landlord instead of the utility company? Read this.

If you rent an apartment in Ohio, live in a condominium or a manufactured home, your electric, gas, or water bill may come from a landlord or third-party submetering company instead of the public utility company.

Why does that matter?
Investigations have found some submetered consumers paying 5% to 40% more for the same electricity than consumers of public utility companies.

Submetered consumers also may miss important consumer protections many Ohio utility consumers rely on:

 budget billing
 payment assistance programs.
 shutoff protections
 itemized bills
 the right to choose an electric supplier

This spring, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that companies reselling electricity should be regulated like public utilities. HB 173, currently under consideration at the Statehouse, would establish a separate framework for submetered utility service.

Learn more about submetering and tenant utility rights: https://www.occ.ohio.gov/content/apartment-residents-deserve-same-utility-protections

05/21/2026

Deciding whether to get your energy from your utility’s standard offer or a marketer can be difficult. Learn "How to Spot a Bad Apple" to protect your home and your wallet. Link: https://www.occ.ohio.gov/content/energy-choice-how-spot-bad-apple