Ohio utilities would credit customers after lengthy power outages

Electric distribution utilities would give affected customers bill credits after outages exceed set time limits or they experience repeated outages. These rules cover customers served by electric distribution utilities during sustained interruptions, which last more than five minutes. For residential customers, each credit would be at least $50 or the customer's monthly utility charge, whichever is higher. Nonresidential customers would receive a credit based on their minimum bill, prorated for the days without service. A utility could ask the public utilities commission to waive these requirements. The commission would decide whether a waiver is fair, reasonable, and in the public interest. The outage limits are 72 hours during catastrophic conditions, 36 hours during gray sky conditions, and 16 hours during normal conditions. Credits must be applied within 90 days after the interruption ends; unused amounts carry forward.

Utilities would give affected residential customers a form to claim reimbursement for spoiled food and medicine. This applies to residential customers affected by a sustained interruption. The food or medicine must have spoiled because refrigeration was lost directly due to the interruption. Customers could submit proof of their losses or a self-certified list. A claim would be for at least the prevailing customer accommodation rate, up to $250 with a list alone or $600 with proof; documented refrigerated prescription medicine losses could be reimbursed at their actual documented amount. Utilities must provide the claim form as soon as reasonably practicable after the interruption.

Utilities could not recover the cost of credits or reimbursements from customers, and could ask the commission to waive those requirements. These rules cover electric distribution utilities and the credits or reimbursements described in the bill. A utility would have 14 calendar days after the interruption to petition for a waiver and would need to show that a waiver is fair, reasonable, and in the public interest. The commission would consider the cause and length of the outage, the utility's emergency response, and system maintenance and investment. It must issue a final order within 45 days after the petition. A utility must file its waiver request within 14 calendar days after an interruption that would trigger credits or reimbursement. The commission must decide within 45 days after receiving the request.