Ohio lawmakers push to make utilities credit customers for power outages

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohioans could get money back from their electric utility when the power goes out under a new bipartisan bill.

The Ohio Power Outage Relief Act would require utilities to give customers automatic bill credits after long or repeated outages. Customers could also be reimbursed for spoiled food and medicine. 
“When the power goes out, the electric bill still comes,” said Lakewood Democratic Rep. Tristan Rader, one of the bill’s sponsors. “Families are paying for a service they depend on. When that service fails, they deserve more than an apology.”

Power outages have become a growing concern in the Northeast Ohio communities that Rader and Ashtabula County Republican Rep. Dave Thomas represent.
 
Lakewood residents endured repeated outages this year, including several during extreme heat. State regulators are considering a $3 million fine against FirstEnergy after finding the utility likely broke state rules during those outages.

But those dollars would flow into state coffers, not the customers who lost power.
 
“An apology won’t restock the fridge,” Rader said.

• He and Thomas said their bill would put money directly into customers’ pockets. How long an outage would have to last before a credit kicks in depends on how widespread it is: 
• Normal outages affecting 1% or fewer customers: Credits would begin after 16 hours.
• Widespread outages affecting 1% to 10% of customers: Credits would begin after 36 hours.
• Major outages affecting more than 10% of customers or occurring during a declared emergency: Credits would begin after 72 hours.
• Repeated outages: Customers would also qualify after six sustained outages within 12 months.

Once an outage qualified, the customer would receive $50 or the amount of their monthly utility charge, whichever is greater. They would receive another credit in the same amount for every additional 24 hours without power.