DeMora Celebrates Passage of Energy Overhaul Legislation

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) commended 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.

“This bill isn’t perfect, but it is a great step in the right direction to make energy accessible, reliable, and cheap for all Ohioans,” said DeMora. “I am especially proud of the provision that creates low-interest loans for public schools to invest in energy efficiency programs and solar panels for their buildings. This provision will reduce property taxes, stretch public school budgets further, and smooth the transition toward renewable energy. I look forward to seeing this bill progress through the House.”

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.