South Dayton News

State Representative Phil Plummer, a Republican from Dayton, has confirmed that the Ohio House of Representatives has agreed on Senate amendments to Substitute House Bill 15. The bill is described as a market-driven initiative intended to balance energy affordability for consumers with increased energy generation, thus enhancing the reliability of the power grid. Plummer underscored the legislation's aim to support Ohio’s economic expansion through reliable and affordable energy access.

“The H.B. 15 will improve affordability for our citizens, as well as increase the much-needed energy production in our state. It will improve the reliability of our grid with consistent, affordable energy,” Plummer stated.

The bill enacts significant changes, including the following:

- It enhances energy affordability for all residents of Ohio.

- It abolishes the option for utility companies to file an Electric Security Plan, instead mandating a rate case with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). This seeks to close a loophole, ensuring a thorough review of consumer rates and thereby protecting ratepayers.

- It dictates that all Standard Service Offers should be Market Rate Offers, aiming to increase consumer decision-making transparency.

- It forbids Electric Distribution Utilities from using distribution customer-funded assets to bid in the wholesale market. This introduces fairness and transparency between utilities and consumers.

- It ceases new funding for the Solar Generation Fund but supports existing projects financially, redirecting remaining funds to the School Energy Performance Contracting Loan Fund.

Further provisions address Ohio's current and future energy needs, benefiting businesses:

- The bill prohibits EDUs from owning energy generation, promoting a competitive market and preventing ratepayer financial burden.

- Local communities can seek "priority investment area" status, exempting them from paying certain taxes on infrastructure for five years, which stimulates new energy generation development.

- It introduces procedural timelines within PUCO and the Ohio Power Siting Board to avoid regulatory delays.

- It progressively reduces certain taxes on new generation and energy infrastructure to align with neighboring states and encourages more energy generation.

- EDUs must update and publicly share capacity maps, and PUCO is required to hold annual stakeholder meetings and deliver yearly reports on reliability and modernization, addressing energy generation and infrastructure challenges.

This legislative action is a response to the rising electricity demand as Ohio grows as a major technology hub in the Midwest, drawing businesses such as Anduril, Honda, and Intel. The bill outlines a comprehensive plan to meet increasing electricity needs while also aiming to lower costs for Ohioans.

The bill now proceeds to Governor Mike DeWine for approval.