Ohio lawmakers approve sweeping energy reform bill

Ohio lawmakers have passed House Bill 15, a comprehensive energy reform bill aimed at addressing rising energy demand and encouraging investment in new power generation, particularly natural gas plants. The legislation eliminates controversial coal and solar subsidies from the scandal-plagued House Bill 6, reduces property taxes on new energy generation and infrastructure, and retools the ratemaking process with a stricter timeline for regulatory reviews. Utilities will now be required to undergo full rate cases every three years and refund customers if the Ohio Supreme Court deems their charges unlawful, though consumer advocates wanted broader refund provisions. The bill also mandates utilities to publish capacity heat maps and contains consumer protections praised by various stakeholders. While the bill enjoys broad support from industries, environmentalists, and consumer groups, some utility companies and consumer advocates remain concerned about the refund limitations and lack of oversight on certain power line projects. The legislation now awaits Governor Mike DeWine's signature to become law.