Columbia Gas of Ohio has announced a stipulation on Monday that it would charge all customers $56.15 a month regardless of how much gas they use that month.

That's nearly $20 more than what customers are paying now. The hike will be staggered out over the next five years.

This fixed charge is separate from gas usage. The cost of natural gas has more than doubled from 38 cents per 100 cubic feet in February 2021 to 79 cents in 2022.

Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) Senior Attorney Rob Kelter says while there's never a good time for a "needless rate hike," now is an especially devastating time for Ohio families.

"This is a rate hike Ohioans can't avoid by turning their heat down and living with a little more discomfort. Every Columbia Gas of Ohio customer will see this spike," Kelter said.

This stipulation also lays the groundwork for corporate parent NiSource to gut their energy efficiency programs across Columbia Gas of Ohio's service area.

The utility currently runs a slate of demand side management programs designed to help their customers reduce energy waste. Under this stipulation, Columbia Gas will only continue one of those programs: low-income weatherization.

"These programs save Ohioans money, cut pollution and make homes safe and comfortable," said Citizens Utility Board (CUB) of Ohio Executive Director, Tom Bullock.

"Columbia Gas of Ohio should be promoting these programs, not agreeing to slash them in back-room negotiations," Bullock continued.

ELPC and CUB Ohio urge the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to reject this stipulation and plan to file a formal objection within the coming weeks.