Hicks-Hudson Celebrates Passage of Energy Overhaul Legislation

Today, state Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson’s (D-Toledo) vote supported the Ohio Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 2, which makes significant changes to Ohio’s energy policies to protect consumers, increase power generation, and improve the state’s electric grid.

“My vote today on this important piece of legislation will support the protection of consumers, increase energy reliability, break down energy barriers, and enhance Ohio’s free market,” said Hicks-Hudson. “This legislation will begin, what I hope, will be a comprehensive energy policy that will support and protect Ohio’s growth.”

If passed, Senate Bill 2 would:

• Promote accountability and transparency for consumers by requiring utilities to routinely come in for rate cases and justify how they spend ratepayer-collected money;
• Immediately end the “Legacy Generation Rider” so that Ohioans no longer have to foot the bill for OVEC subsidies, saving Ohio ratepayers nearly $450,000 per day;
• Create a permissive school energy efficiency loan program to reduce energy costs for public schools; and
• Protect consumers by codifying that they receive refunds for improper charges.

Senate Bill 2 now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration.