COLUMBUS, Ohio — About 30 residents of the Northtowne Apartments in Columbus were at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio headquarters for a hearing on the planned conversion to submetering at their apartment community.
Over the next few days, PUCO will decide whether AEP can convert the apartments into a “master metered” service for submetering. Nationwide Energy Partners contracted with the owners of the apartment to convert to the submetering model, meaning residents would no longer pay their bills directly to AEP, but to the third party, NEP instead.
PUCO recently ruled that submetering companies like NEP are not considered public utilities. Therefore they are not subject to the same regulations as AEP.
Residents took the stand at the hearing, voicing concerns that service under NEP would mean they could lose access to some of the energy assistance programs they rely on.
“I am on a budget plan myself and it helps because I am retired and a program like that to help people is great for people who are struggling, struggling with rent, food,” said Roy Robinson.
Charles Starks pays his bills using the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP).
“I only have to pay $67 for the lights and $67 for the gas and that is significantly lower than what I would be charged without the PIPP program. There is no way we would struggle paying it without PIPP,” Starks said.
Some residents questioned the reason for the switch.
“I just don’t think it is right, I am sorry and I’m just saying there has got to be something in it for them for them to want to change utility companies,” said Wanda Preston. “I have been with AEP for years.”
Starks was glad so many of his neighbors showed up to have their voices heard.
“I’m really surprised and I am proud of them. I really don’t believe that we are gonna matter that much and we are not going to stop them from coming but at least people are aware, and who knows maybe this is going to be a step in the right direction in the future,” he said.
NEP shared a brief statement:
“NEP is contracted by the owner to provide electrical billing services on their behalf to Northtowne Apartments but is not currently providing the billing for electric submetering.”
AEP and the PUCO declined to comment.
The hearing will continue over the next few days.