Columbia has requested to adjust the funding rider for its DSM proposal. Vectren has asked for approval of its voluntary DSM portfolio for 2021-2023. Two different cases, but a common problem: the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) proposes eliminating all efficiency programs offered by both companies, and transferring the low-income funds for WarmChoice and VWP I & II to fuel funds.
This is idiocy. The OCC offers no explanation of what the bill payment assistance programs should look like. They provide no reasons for why the programs should be eliminated through 2021 and 2022 for Vectren and Columbia, respectively. This is a critical case for OPAE and its members. The utilities, the Staff and other parties all oppose OCC’s proposal. I am fairly confident we can win this, but we will take no chances and will try to put a stop to these hair-brained proposals.