by Jacie Jones

(Plain Press, October 2019)           Have you experienced electricity shutoffs or had trouble paying your bills with Cleveland Public Power (CPP)? Many Clevelanders are reporting electric shutoffs without receiving adequate notice, without being offered a reasonable payment plan, or have had their electric shut off despite a medical necessity.

End Poverty NOW Cleveland, a coalition of 22 grassroots groups working to address issues of poverty, is holding a public hearing on CPP shutoff problems. The public hearing is Thursday October 10^th, 2019 6:30 – 8:00 pm. at St. Paul’s Community Church, 4427 Franklin Blvd. Cleveland. Registration and refreshments begin at 6:00 p.m.

City Council members along with a representative from Cleveland Public Power are expected to be present at the hearing.

Often times people have no choice but to use Cleveland Public Power, but with rising electricity costs and the controversial additional charge that can double the bill, more and more people are having difficulty paying their bills. This additional charge is not for the electricity that you use.

Having your power shutoff can result in eviction, medical problems, and health concerns, especially for vulnerable populations.

Cleveland Public Power does not currently abide by the same standards as private energy companies in the area, leaving a lack of accountability that private utilities must abide by.

Many people at risk of experiencing a shutoff are not eligible for the same programs as those who are customers of a private utility such as First Energy. This creates a public health and human rights concern.

We want you to share your stories about Cleveland Public Power and need your participation to help advocate for more just shutoff policies. If you or anyone you know has experienced an unfair shutoff, we want to hear from you!

If you have an experience to share at the public hearing or have any questions, please contact us by email at jacie@organizeohio.org or delaney@organizeohio.org, or by phone at (216) 651-2606.