Under the rate hike, Superior Hardwoods of Ohio will see a 25 percent rate increase at its sawmill in Cambridge, which will cost it an extra $30,000 per year. Adam Conway, the company’s vice president, said competition won’t allow him to raise his prices, so he will need to find ways to cut costs.

 

“This is a significant impact,” he said. “I think it’s wrong.”

 

One of central Ohio’s largest churches, Grove City Church of the Nazarene, is looking at a 19 percent increase next year, which is $38,000.

 

“It’s going to be hard for us,” said Bob Bailey, a retired nuclear engineer who manages energy issues for the church. “Our income is voluntary. People tithe or donate, and all organizations like ours will tell you that giving is down because the economy is tough.”

 

Schodorf Truck Body in Franklinton will see its annual electricity costs rise by 35 percent, which is about $7,000, a significant burden for the manufacturer and its 20 employees.

 

By Dan Gearino

The Columbus Dispatch Sunday December 4, 2011 11:59 AM