Ohio customers losing big on unregulated natural gas plans

The chance to choose a natural gas provider continues to be a financial disaster for Columbia Gas of Ohio customers. Since the utility began allowing customers to choose an alternative supplier in 1997, the people who made that choice have paid $1.36 billion more than those who remained with regulated prices offered by Columbia Gas, rates that are based on changing commodity prices and approved by state regulators, according to data disclosed in a recent regulatory filing.