Some Enbridge Gas Ohio customers aren't too happy about a potential rate increase to their natural gas bill. 

People throughout Northeast Ohio spoke out during a public hearing with the Public Utilities Commission in Downtown Akron on Thursday. 

A mandatory public hearing with the PUCO featured a handful of customers who are all worried and frustrated their bills could be going up.

"The investments that we've made in the system in the past 16 years have totaled about one billion dollars," explained Stephanie Moore, Communications Consultant with Enbridge Gas Ohio. "And the last time we filed for a rate review was in 2007 and so it looks at our expenses in the current day."

Enbridge told 21 News it is looking to raise customer rates by 16% per month.

"We're struggling," said Willena Jackson of Akron. "And it's not that we don't want to pay our bills. We need somebody to be a little bit more reasonable in what you're charging us for our gas. This is a need."

"It important particularly for residents to tell their story at a hearing like this because they get to be face to face with one of the five commissioners who's going to make the final decision," explained J.P. Blackwood, Public Affairs Specialist with the Ohio Consumers' Counsel. "So that's really important to us."

The Ohio Consumers' Counsel believes that the rate increase could even be as high as 30%. The PUCO recently suggested a more conservative rate.

"I find it fascinating that the PUCO staff has actually suggested a decrease and I would agree with that," said David Guran of Akron. 

"I heard their concerns and they resonated with me," said John Williams, Commissioner of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. "They're something that I will take with me as I review the case going forward."

Some residents who spoke on Thursday believe the PUCO has already made up their mind. Commissioner Williams denounced that a decision has already been made on the rate change.

"No decisions have been made to this point," Williams said. "The staff has filed their staff report but that is just a recommendation to the commissioners. No decisions have been made. The comments we received Thursday from the public are additional pieces of information that will help us make our decision."

In response to the public's financial fears, Enbridge stated it offers a variety of assistance programs and payment plans for it's concerned customers.

"The Ohio Consumers' Counsel has been asking for even more bill payment assistance," Blackwood added. "That's one of the things we're hoping we can see out of this process. We hear different things from time to time. People have frustrations with the system. But, affordability is key. We want to make sure Enbridge is only charging what's reasonable for delivering a safe, reliable supply of natural gas while making a reasonable profit." 

Ohio Consumers' Counsel had its regulatory experts and accountants review the proposal and found the rate increase is too substantial. 

It is unclear when the PUCO will make the final vote on the application-- but rate increases could come as early as 2025. Visit our website to see how much more you could be paying each month.