Councilmember Rimi Weiss introduced ordinance 33-54 to regulate the practice of utility reselling for residential multifamily properties, describing it as an attempt to balance tenant protections with operational realities for landlords and third-party service providers.

Weiss said the legislation had been revised from a proposed ban into a compromise that "requires upfront disclosure around utility billing, billing transparency, and safeguards for fees and rates." She moved to waive second reading and for immediate passage; the clerk called the roll and the ordinance passed.

Annalise Grama, Central Ohio regional director at the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, testified in strong support, saying utility reselling can yield bills "far above what a customer would pay if they were billed directly by the utility" and urging council to cap administrative fees, prohibit charges exceeding a regulated utility's bill, require transparent monthly bills, and ensure payment plans and timely refunds.

Council members framed the ordinance as an accessibility and affordability measure intended to improve residents' ability to access utility discounts and assistance programs administered by Columbus Water and Power.

Next steps: The ordinance was advanced by waiver of second reading and will be implemented by the relevant city departments, with enforcement and program outreach to follow.