Utility Regulators Grant Governor's Request To Ban Power Shutoffs

Utility Regulators Grant Governor's Request To Ban Power Shutoffs

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Low-income Ohioans will not see their electric and natural gas service shut off for 90 days, even when they are unable to pay their bills, under an order issued Wednesday by state utility regulators.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio issued the order in response to a request Tuesday by Gov. Ted Strickland, who became worried after a house fire started by candles used for heat killed members of an Ohio family.

PUCO commissioners share the governor's concern, Chairman Alan R. Schriber said.

The moratorium on electric and natural gas shutoffs will apply to families whose household income is 175 percent of the federal poverty level or less, for example a family of four making $36,127 a year.

http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2007-12-19-0026.html

I'm sure there are some parents out there who are feeling at least a little less stressed after hearing this news.

We have many people who have no heat in their house in the winter time in Michigan, a scary thought.

I hope more states follow suit.