House Energy Committee holds first hearing on bill to itemize utility charges

Representatives Brennan and Thomas introduced House Bill 158, the “Consumer Utility Billing Transparency Act,” at a first hearing before the Ohio House Energy Committee. The sponsors said the bill would require utility bills for electricity, natural gas and water to show clearly itemized charges — such as generation, transmission, distribution, supply charges, taxes, riders and additional service fees — so customers can see what they are paying for.

The bill’s sponsors told the committee that confusing bills, hidden fees and opaque riders leave households and small businesses unable to budget or hold providers accountable. “Utility bills, whether they’re electric, natural gas, or water, should be clear, concise, and easy to understand,” Representative Brennan said in his testimony, adding that an itemized bill would empower consumers to “ask the right questions, check for errors, monitor their usage, seek better rates to save money, and understand what investments are being made in their…