Youngstown Times

State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel, a Republican from Columbiana, has cast her vote in favor of House Bill 15. This legislation is designed to enhance power generation in Ohio, aiming to improve affordability for ratepayers and boost the reliability of the state's electrical grid.

Blasdel expressed her support by stating, "I was proud today, to vote in favor of House Bill 15. I am grateful to Chair Holmes and Vice-Chair Klopfenstein for their leadership on this legislation that takes great steps to ensure Ohioans and Ohio businesses all across the state have access to reliable and affordable energy."

House Bill 15 proposes several changes intended to strengthen Ohio's economy with reliable energy sources. It allows intrastate transmission, encouraging competition by permitting more parties to enter the market. Local communities can apply for a "priority investment area" designation, which offers tax exemptions on infrastructure for five years.

The bill also seeks to improve energy affordability by eliminating the option for utility companies to file an Electric Security Plan (ESP). Instead, they must approach the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for a rate case. This change aims to close existing loopholes and ensure comprehensive reviews that protect ratepayers.

Furthermore, all Standard Service Offers (SSO) will be required to be Market Rate Offers (MRO), enhancing transparency for consumers. The bill prohibits Electric Distribution Utilities (EDU) from bidding in wholesale markets with assets funded by distribution customers.

In addition, it halts new collections for the Solar Generation Fund while settling current agreements with solar projects. Remaining funds will be refunded back to ratepayers. Multi-Year Rate Plans (MYRP) are established at PUCO where utilities can propose base rate changes with an annual true-up process.

To address future energy needs, EDUs are prohibited from owning generation facilities. New shot clocks are set on PUCO and OPSB processes to eliminate regulatory delays. The Tangible Personal Property (TPP) tax on new equipment will decrease significantly starting in tax year 2027.

The legislation mandates EDUs update capacity heat maps on their websites and requires PUCO to hold annual stakeholder meetings with statewide reliability reports. It also introduces the Community Energy Pilot Program aimed at revitalizing brownfields and diversifying energy generation across Ohio communities.

This legislative effort responds to increased electricity demand as Ohio continues its growth as a tech hub in the Midwest, attracting companies like Anduril, Honda, and Intel. The bill now advances to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.