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Gas Utilities Allowed to Recover Incremental Costs Incurred to Correct Unauthorized Switch
On May 27, 2026 the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) issued an order regarding the minimum gas service standards.
This docket was initiated to conduct a 5-year review of the minimum gas service standards in Ohio Adm. Code Chapter 4901: 1-13.
Among other things this PUCO order amends the natural gas customer service rules allowing – if Staff determines both that a slam occurred and that the supplier was at fault.- utilities to seek reimbursement from retail suppliers for costs tied to unauthorized switches, Utilities may recover all incremental costs incurred to fix the switch, though they are not required to pursue recovery. The PUCO emphasized that affected customers would bear no costs and must be made whole. If the utility is at fault, it must reimburse suppliers and fully compensate customers, including restoring contract value if prior terms cannot be reinstated.
PUCO rejected supplier concerns about discretion and due process, noting that Staff, not utilities, determine fault and that all parties may submit evidence. Additional changes include extending customer bill due dates to 21 days. PUCO declined to require utilities to maintain faster payment timelines for suppliers, allowing alignment with the new billing framework. The rules are pending final review, with an effective date to follow.
