To the Editor:

Over 100,000 households woke up to the snow this week without any heat.  They have been disconnected by their utility or have empty propane or fuel oil tanks.  Ohio can do better.

There are many reasons why people are without essential utility service.  They have lost a good job, had a health emergency, or are simply poor, working in jobs that don’t pay enough for them to pay their bills.  But, there are things we can do.

We can require utilities to fund weatherization programs for their customers.  Many utilities provide some funding for low-income customer, but the waiting lists for assistance are over a year.  Other states require utilities to help all customers become more efficient in how they use energy so the bills are lower.  Ohio needs to follow their lead.

Ohio can also require the use of more renewable energy.  Wind, solar and biomass power would all produce jobs here in Ohio while reducing the cost of energy over the long term.  This state needs to make these investments and stop sending our energy dollars to out of state.

Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy sources will lower bills and create jobs, as well as protect our environment.  When will Ohio choose to make investments that benefit us all, now and in the future?

Dave Rinebolt
Executive Director and Counsel
Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy
231 West Lima Street
PO Box 1793
Findlay, OH 45839-1793
419-425-8860 -- Phone
419-425-8862 -- FAX