In the winter of 1978, Cincinnati area residents experienced rapid increases in the cost of gas and electric bills, plus one of the coldest winters on record. Low-income customers of Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company (CG&E) were unable to keep up with utility payments and when they fell behind, their utilities got shut off. During the winter of 1978, three utility consumers died due to lack of heat after their utilities were shut off.
Working In Neighborhoods began researching the issue, and found that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) had to approve CG&E’s rates and policies. However, they only met in Columbus at times that were inconvenient to consumers.
WIN brought together low- and middle-income consumers who learned that while they were affected by utilities in different ways, they had some of the same concerns. Both groups felt that they had very little say about the process, that the company was uncaring and inconsiderate, and that no one, including the Public Utilities Commission, cared.
After consumers formed the Citywide Coalition for Utility Reform, they had their first victory, an agreement from the PUCO to hold all hearings regarding the fuel adjustment clause in Cincinnati. Through petitions, public meetings with utility and public officials, and media attention, this group made significant changes, including banning winter shut-offs, revising payment policies, ensuring heat and electricity for consumers with disabilities, reforming the selection process of the PUCO, implementing a Percentage of Income Payment Plan, and securing funding for weatherization.
WIN provided a key role in helping consumers deal with rising utility bills and insensitive policies of the utility company. Since the early 1980s, WIN has provided energy education to individuals, nonprofits, and churches. In the mid-1980s, WIN developed a neighborhood blitz going door-to-door to install weatherization kits and provide energy education. WIN was the leading seller of compact fluorescent bulbs when they were still an unknown commodity. All WIN rehab or new construction homes include energy-efficient measures that greatly reduce the cost of heating these homes.
WIN’s efforts and leadership as an advocate for low- and moderate-income consumers gave them access to the decision making process. Access to energy conservation measures has made utility bills more affordable and accessible for consumers in Southwest Ohio.
