Mansfield Times

State Representative Melanie Miller has announced her support for House Bill 15, a significant market-driven initiative designed to enhance Ohio’s power generation capacity. The bill aims to improve energy affordability for ratepayers and heighten electrical grid reliability within the state. Miller expressed her support by stating, “House Bill 15 takes an important step in the right direction to make energy reliable, efficient, and affordable for Ohioans. A competitive market will lead to lower prices and better service for consumers.”

The primary changes proposed by House Bill 15 include strengthening Ohio’s economy through reliable and affordable energy by bidding farewell to the Electric Security Plan option for utility companies. Instead, the bill mandates that these companies must approach the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for a rate case. This process is intended to close existing loopholes tied to ratepayer affordability and hold utility companies accountable.

By eliminating the Electric Security Plan, there will be increased transparency in consumer rates as utilities will need to undergo thorough reviews directed by PUCO. Additionally, utility providers will promote fairness and transparency by prohibiting Electric Distribution Utilities from wholesale market bidding with assets funded by distribution customers.

Furthermore, House Bill 15 lays out plans to stop new financial collections for the Solar Generation Fund while establishing mechanisms to return remaining funds to ratepayers. It also initiates the Multi-Year Rate Plans at PUCO, allowing utilities to suggest modifications to base rates which include annual adjustments to make sure that the rates align with actual costs.

To meet Ohio’s current and future energy demands effectively, the bill prohibits Electric Distribution Utilities from owning generation. This move is intended to stimulate a competitive market by shifting financial responsibilities away from ratepayers.

Other significant provisions include decreasing Tangible Personal Property tax brackets on new generation equipment from 25% to 7% by the 2027 tax year. This shift, alongside reduced taxes on new infrastructure, matches Ohio's rates with nearby states, encouraging new energy generation ventures within the state. The bill also mandates an annual heat map publication of system capacities by EDUs and establishes regulatory requirements such as annual stakeholder meetings and statewide reliability reports.

The bill comes as a result of Ohio’s continued evolution as a major tech hub in the Midwest, drawing in companies such as Anduril, Honda, and Intel. House Bill 15 is touted as a comprehensive blueprint to meet the soaring electricity demand generated by such business expansion, ensuring cost-effectiveness for residents across the state.

House Bill 15 must now be considered by the Ohio Senate.