Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to amend Title 45 of the Columbus City Codes by enacting a new Chapter 4553 and to regulate the practice of utility reselling for residential properties in the City of Columbus. Currently, the majority of Columbus’ residents living in multifamily rental properties are not directly billed for utility services by a utility provider, but rather by a property owner or a third party that resells utility services obtained from a utility provider to residents based either on master meters or on sub meters. This legislation will protect Columbus residents from inflated utility bills, increase bill transparency, and ensure discount programs reach residents who need it most. A public hearing was held in October 2025 to allow for industry leaders and the community to comment on the implications of this change.
Title
To amend Title 45 of the Columbus City Codes by enactment of new Chapter 4553; to regulate the practice of utility reselling for residential properties in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, affordable and reasonably priced utility services are essential for the residents of Columbus, and the State of Ohio; and
WHEREAS, the majority of Columbus’ residents living in multifamily rental properties are not directly billed for utility services by a utility provider, but rather by a property owner or some other third party that resells utility services obtained from a utility provider to residents based either on master meters or on submeters; and
WHEREAS, these residents currently lack the option of procuring utility services in a competitive market, affecting their access to reasonably priced utility service; and
WHEREAS, charges from a property owner or other third party, based on a master meter and/or submeter, can result in higher charges and total bills for residential rental property consumers than they would pay if provided the same services directly from the utility provider; and
WHEREAS, ...
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