“DP&L’s plan is focused on guaranteeing that any costs it incurs as a result of actions taken during this emergency are ultimately collected from consumers,” the office said in a filing this week with state regulators.
RELATED: NEW: Congressman, groups respond to fresh workplace fears
Instead, the office is asking that Ohio utilities be required to track any cost savings they have as a result of operations being pulled back during the pandemic — and to offset those savings against any increased costs.
The office is also asking that DP&L reconnect customers that were cut off 30 days before March 9 due to non-payment.
In March, state regulators asked utilities to file emergency plans for the COVID-19 crisis. Utilities were generally asked to stop door-to-door solicitations, indoor meter readings, weatherization work and more.
After the order, DP&L said it suspended most customer disconnections and started foregoing reconnection and late payment fees. DP&L also said it would “continue to track and defer, for later recovery those uncollectable costs.”
RELATED: The clock is ticking on the latest Paycheck Protection loans
That raised a red flag for the Ohio Consumers Counsel.
“The PUCO (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) should not approve DP&L costs for charging to consumers unless, at a minimum, the costs are associated with DP&L’s actions taken during the emergency and the costs meet Ohio ratemaking standards, including that they are prudent and necessary,” the office said.
Pending increases in DP&L’s charges should be put off until “a reasonable time after the emergency,” the office also advised.
The crisis may be an enduring one, the office cautioned.
“As the PUCO reviews DP&L’s emergency plan, it should consider that in the coming months and potentially years, many Ohioans will struggle to pay their utility bills,” the office said in its filing. “Those Ohioans with financial challenges will include customers who have historically paid their bills in full and on time but who may be unable to continue doing so following the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.”
A message seeking comment was sent to a DP&L representative.
About the Author
