PUCO sets 2nd billing hearing

By HOLLY SCHOENSTEIN

Additional public hearings have been scheduled for Akron and Cleveland as well.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has scheduled a second public hearing in response to Dominion East Ohio’s proposal to change its billing rates for residential customers.

The hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Chevrolet Centre, 229 E. Front St.

At the first hearing Monday, state Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-33rd, testified that he was displeased with the weekday afternoon hearing time and the venue (city council chambers), into which an estimated 200 residents crammed.

“The pressure has to be put on them [PUCO] to make the right ruling,” Hagan said. “The size of the crowd that showed up, the complaints levied against Dominion and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio showed the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that it better have another hearing.”

Hagan said he sent a letter to PUCO before the first hearing and requested the time and venue be changed but was unsatisfied with the response he received. Now that PUCO scheduled a second hearing for a more suitable time for residents who work during the day, he said more people will have an opportunity to express their opinions.

Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti, D-4th, said she expects at least 500 area residents to attend.

“We’re fine with [the second hearing],” said Jeff Zidonis, Dominion East Ohio spokesman. “We support the PUCO’s decision ... We know that it’s a hardship for a lot of people, and we understand that the timing may not be the best; unfortunately, the time is now that we have to file for an increase.”

Shana Eiselstein, spokeswoman for the PUCO, said one commissioner will attend the hearing. Many residents objected to the absence of a commissioner during the first hearing.

“Local public hearings are an important part of our case process,” Eiselstein said.

Representatives from Dominion are also scheduled to attend, Zidonis said.

Although Eiselstein would not say if second public hearings are common, she said they are scheduled on a case-by-case basis and that testimony given at the second hearing will have just as much weight as the testimony from the first.

Because of the public service nature of the hearing, Righetti said the city is able to use the Chevrolet Centre for the hearing free of charge.

hschoenstein@vindy.com