​​

A base rates case is a formal request by a utility company to the PUCO to adjust the rates it charges for delivering natural gas. These rates are designed to recover the costs of maintaining a safe and reliable natural gas system. For CenterPoint, this includes necessary investments in pipeline safety, system modernization and technologies like advanced leak detection. The PUCO reviews these requests to determine that requests are fair, prudent and in the best interest of customers.

If approved, the proposed rate adjustment will result in an increase of approximately $23 per month for the average residential customer.

CenterPoint’s last full rate adjustment request in Ohio was filed in 2018. Since then, the company has made significant investments in pipeline replacement, system modernization and leak detection technologies to continue to improve safety and reliability for more than 333,000 Ohio customers.

As part of the company’s commitment to safety and reliability, the filing would continue key initiatives, including replacing aging pipelines with industry-grade materials, installing advanced meters for more accurate readings and deploying leak detection technology to reduce emissions and enhance safety.

The PUCO’s review of CenterPoint’s request is expected to take several months, with a final decision expected by early 2026. During this time, CenterPoint is committed to engaging with its customers and welcomes public input as part of its commitment to meet the current and future needs of its gas customers.

CenterPoint is committed to supporting customers who may be facing financial hardships and will continue to offer tips, tools and programs to help them manage their bills and save energy.

• Choice Program: Through CenterPoint's natural gas Choice Program, customers can choose a natural gas supplier that's right for them. Competing suppliers offer more pricing options for consumers, such as locking in a fixed rate, which allows them to comparison shop for energy the way they do for other products and services. Customers who do not choose a third-party supplier are served by one of five default Standard Choice Offer suppliers at a variable rate. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Choice for a list of suppliers and up-to-date prices.
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): State and federal utility assistance dollars are available for income-eligible customers. Households must fall at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines to apply. Visit development.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880 to learn more.
• HEAP Winter Crisis Program: The HEAP Winter Crisis Program provides assistance once per heating season to eligible households that are disconnected or are threatened with disconnection. Households must fall at or below 175 percent of federal poverty guidelines to apply. Visit development.ohio.gov or call (800) 282-0880 to learn more.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): PIPP Plus calls for a qualified household to pay 5 percent of its monthly income for gas service throughout the year. To be eligible for the PIPP Plus program, a customer must receive his or her primary or secondary heat source from a company regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, must have a total household income which is at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level and must apply for all energy assistance programs for which he or she is eligible.
• Due Date Extension and Payment Arrangement: These are two free offerings available to customers in need of a special payment plan to temporarily keep their service connected and better manage energy costs.
• Energy Efficiency Resources: CenterPoint offers energy efficiency tips, appliance rebates and energy-saving tools to help customers lower their natural gas bills. All Ohio residential natural gas customers are eligible to submit rebates by November 1, 2024. Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SmartSavings or call 1-800-227-1376 for additional information.
• Budget Bill: Under this billing plan, a customer's estimated costs for gas service are spread in equal amounts throughout the year. This leveling of monthly bill amounts reduces the need to pay the full amount in the winter and spreads some of those higher bill charges into the non-heating months. Customers can learn more and enroll for free at CenterPointEnergy.com or by calling 1-800-227-1376.
• Home Weatherization: CenterPoint's home weatherization program helps qualifying Ohio customers implement energy efficiency improvements to their homes at no cost. Households must fall within 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines to apply. Visit miamivalleycap.org to learn more.