Update:  Late 2009 the Commission authorized Columbia Gas of Ohio (“Columbia”), Inc. to hold an auction to secure natural gas supplies, initially through a standard service offer (SSO) structure and, subsequently, through a standard choice offer (SCO) structure. The Commission extended the SCO program by order issued in 2011. On October 4, 2012, Columbia, a group of marketers and the Staff filed a joint motion to modify the 2009 and 2011 orders along with a Stipulation. The Stipulation modifies the current SCO program and provides for the complete exit of Columbia from the merchant function. It also establishes a threshold of 70% shopping for both commercial and residential customers respectively along with different timelines for when that will occur. The term of this new Stipulation will run from April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2018. The current SCO program will continue in effect until the CHOICE program meets or exceeds 70% of choice eligible non-residential customers for three consecutive months. The Stipulation further establishes a process whereby Columbia may file an application for authority to exit the merchant function for residential customers similar to that proposed for non-residential customers. A entry has been issued setting forth a procedural schedule. The deadline to intervene and file comments is November 5, 2012 with a hearing scheduled for December 3, 2012.