Tom Young | The Ohio House of Representatives
Tom Young | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Representative Tom Young of Washington Township has expressed his support for House Bill 15, a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing Ohio's power generation capabilities. The bill seeks to address energy affordability and reliability within the state's electrical grid.
Representative Young stated, "This is a great move by the legislature to lower energy cost for all of our citizens in Ohio. It also puts the negative implications of H.B. 6 finally to rest."
House Bill 15 outlines several key changes, including allowing intrastate transmission to foster competition and expand Ohio’s grid. It also provides local communities with an opportunity to apply for a "priority investment area" designation, offering tax exemptions on certain infrastructure developments.
The bill aims to improve energy affordability by eliminating the Electric Security Plan option for utility companies, requiring them instead to engage with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for rate cases. This measure intends to close existing loopholes and ensure more comprehensive reviews of consumer rates.
Further provisions include prohibiting Electric Distribution Utilities from bidding in the wholesale market with assets funded by distribution customers and ceasing new collections for the Solar Generation Fund while settling existing agreements.
To meet future business energy needs, the bill prevents EDUs from owning generation facilities and introduces new regulatory timelines. It also reduces taxes on new generation equipment and infrastructure starting in tax year 2027.
The legislation includes requirements for utilities to update capacity heat maps online and mandates annual stakeholder meetings by PUCO. A Community Energy Pilot Program is established as part of efforts to diversify energy generation across Ohio communities.
Ohio's role as a tech hub in the Midwest has increased demand for electricity due to business growth involving companies like Anduril, Honda, and Intel. The bill now awaits consideration by the Ohio Senate.
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