The cost of natural gas used to heat your home, cook your food, or dry your laundry could be going up for Dominion Energy Customers in Ohio.
 
About 4.5 million people, or almost one out of every three people in Ohio could see the rate hikes on future bills if the rate hike is approved.
 
There are about 20,000 homes in Warren and almost every one would be affected. 
 
Dominion has asked the state regulatory agency, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, PUCO for a major rate hike.
 
"Dominion has asked the PUCO for a 30 percent increase in the rate they charge us to deliver the gas, not to buy the gas, but just deliver. It's the infrastructure, the pipes, the valves, the pumps, all of that stuff," Councilman Greg Greathouse says.
 
He explains if the increase is approved, it will cost typical residential customers about $100 more a year. 
 
In addition, Dominion Gas is requesting to charge its users additional fees.
 
"They want to start it at $2.95 a month and go by 2035, it will go up to $28 a month, so it's a significant increase," Greathouse said.
 
 Councilman Greathouse tells 21 News there are things residents can do to make their voices heard.
 
The Ohio Consumers Council will be in Warren to discuss actions folks can take to help reduce the amount of the rate hikes approved by the PUCO.
 
"To listen and to learn how we can make our voices heard to the Public Utilities Commission Ohio, cos it truly does make a difference," Councilman Greathouse emphasized. 
 
Greathouse is inviting residents, not just officials from Trumbull County and state lawmakers to a public meeting next week. 
 
That meeting is set for Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Warren City Council Chambers.
 
Greathouse is a councilperson for Warren's Third Ward and is also Committee Chair for the Finance Committee and Warren Public Utilities Committee.