Last week the Ohio Public Utility Commission launched a new proceeding to consider service options for customers who have smart meters.

The Commission is now taking comments on these and related matters:

• Should distribution utilities and competitive retailers offer dynamic pricing?
• Should they offer prepaid electricity service?
• How should information about pricing and payment choices be presented to consumers?
• How to develop a standard approach to allow consumers to compare price options?
• Should distributors offer a two-part tariff: part fixed, and part dynamic?
• What are the barriers to offering these options?
• What might a secure and private online application for comparing price options look like?

Deadline for comments: March 14.

Note that the Ohio PUC is not seeking comments on whether more smart meters should be deployed. This inquiry concerns only service options for customers who already have a smart meter.

The OPUC will also hold a technical conference.

Seems like a good opportunity for other states to watch and learn!