Key Takeaways
- Massive Price Jump: Starting January 30, 2026, Columbia Gas of Ohio’s supply rate is increasing from $0.7937 to $1.071 per Ccf, representing a nearly 35% spike for the February billing cycle.
- Market Volatility: The surge was triggered by a “short squeeze” in the natural gas futures market following a severe Arctic blast that knocked out 15% of U.S. gas production.
- Widespread Impact: The rate change affects approximately 1.5 million customers across 61 Ohio counties, including major hubs like Columbus, Toledo, and Parma.
- Assistance Available: Low-income residents may qualify for relief through programs like PIPP Plus and HEAP, while others can explore fixed-rate options via the state’s Energy Choice marketplace.
Effective today, January 30, 2026, Columbia Gas of Ohio (CGO) has implemented a sharp increase in its Standard Choice Offer (SCO) rate. The price for the natural gas commodity is jumping to $1.071 per Ccf (100 cubic feet), up from $0.7937 in January. For the average residential customer, this transition could result in monthly heating bills exceeding $223, a significant rise from the previous year’s estimates.
Why are Gas Rates Increasing?
The price of natural gas in Ohio is determined by a market-based formula approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). The SCO rate is the sum of two parts: the NYMEX month-end settlement price for natural gas futures and a fixed Retail Price Adjustment (RPA) of $0.325 per Ccf.
While the RPA remained stable, the NYMEX settlement price for February delivery skyrocketed to $7.460 per Mcf (equivalent to $0.746 per Ccf) on its final trading day. This spike was caused by a “short squeeze” as the contract expired during a period of extreme market stress. A massive Arctic blast across the U.S. in late January led to “freeze-offs” at gas wells, disrupting approximately 15% of total domestic production at the exact moment heating demand hit record levels.
Impacted Cities and Infrastructure Projects
As the largest natural gas utility in the state, Columbia Gas of Ohio serves 61 of Ohio’s 88 counties . The February rate hike will be felt most acutely in major metropolitan areas, including:
- Columbus and surrounding suburbs (Upper Arlington, Grove City, Reynoldsburg)
- Toledo and Northwestern Ohio
- Parma and Parma Heights
- Mansfield, Springfield, and Zanesville
In addition to rising fuel costs, residents in central Ohio are seeing the physical effects of infrastructure modernization. The utility is currently undergoing the North Columbus High Pressure (NCHP) system replacement, a multi-phase project required to comply with federal safety mandates known as the “Mega Rule”. Significant construction and lane shifts are expected throughout 2026 on major arteries like Lane Avenue, Northwest Boulevard, and Tremont Road.
Active Construction and Traffic Impact in 2026
As of January 2026, several high-visibility projects are underway, particularly in the Upper Arlington and Columbus areas.
| Project Location | Start Date | Description of Work |
| Lane Avenue (Northwest Blvd to Riverside Dr) | Jan 19, 2026 | One lane traffic in each direction; pipeline installation begins Jan 23. |
| Northwest Boulevard (Lane Ave to Five Points) | Mid-Jan 2026 | Lane reductions; no on-street parking allowed during construction. |
| Tremont Road (Five Points to Kenny Rd) | Early Feb 2026 | Directional drilling operation at intersection; slip roads closed. |
| Brandon and Ridgeview Roads | Tentative 2026 | Construction of two new utility stations to support system pressure. |
These infrastructure projects, while necessary for safety compliance, represent the “distribution service” portion of the customer bill, the charges that the utility recovers to install, repair, and operate the delivery system.
Legal Battles and Fixed Charges
While the SCO rate changes monthly based on market conditions, the “fixed” portion of the bill, the base delivery charge, is also under scrutiny. The Ohio Supreme Court is currently reviewing an appeal by consumer advocacy groups regarding a 2022 settlement that allows Columbia Gas to increase fixed monthly charges from $36 to over $58 by 2027 . Critics argue that high fixed charges disproportionately burden low-income households and discourage energy conservation.
Find Natural Gas Providers In Ohio
How to Manage Your Bill
Consumers have several options to protect themselves from monthly price volatility:
- Energy Choice: Many retail suppliers are currently offering fixed-rate plans significantly lower than the $1.071 SCO rate. Residents can compare offers using the PUCO “Apples to Apples” chart. Learn more about switching natural gas providers.
- Financial Assistance: Households earning at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus), which caps gas bills at 5% of monthly income.
- Emergency Funds: The Winter Crisis Program and the Salvation Army’s HeatShare program provide one-time grants for those facing disconnection or financial hardship.
For more information on navigating these changes, residents are encouraged to visit UtilitiesForMyHome.com or contact the Columbia Gas Customer Contact Center at 1-800-344-4077 .
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.