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House Energy Committee holds first hearing on bill to itemize utility bills
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 158, the Consumer Utility Billing Transparency Act, which would require clearer, itemized electric, gas and water bills; committee members urged clarifying language and templates but took no formal vote.
Rep. Brennan, sponsor of House Bill 158, told the Ohio House Energy Committee that the Consumer Utility Billing Transparency Act would require clear, itemized utility bills for electricity, natural gas and water so customers can see charges such as generation, transmission, distribution, supply, taxes and riders.
"Utility bills affect nearly every household in Ohio," Rep. Brennan said during the committee's first hearing on the bill. He described hidden fees, obscure riders and bundled costs that can leave customers "confused, frustrated, and powerless to make informed choices or hold providers accountable." He emphasized the bill would not set prices or add new costs to utilities, but would require providers to present existing calculations in an understandable, itemized format.
The bill's joint sponsor, Rep. Thomas, said the measure reflects his experience as an auditor visiting constituents with…
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