The Ohio House on Wednesday passed House Bill 15, landmark electricity reform to repeal costly riders on customers’ power bills, in sweeping fashion.

Among items debated by lawmakers was the continuation of customer-paid subsidies for two unneeded and uneconomical coal power plants. The power plant subsidies, which only benefited utilities, were authorized by the infamous House Bill 6 scandal that resulted in the criminal prosecution and incarceration of a former Ohio Speaker of the House. Remarkably, one group suggested lawmakers continue the utility giveaway. Lawmakers were undeterred, approving the bill 90-3.

The OMA applauded the passage in a statement, thanking the legislature for their leadership and staying strong to protect competitive generation.

The House and Senate companion bills will need to be reconciled in the coming weeks. Manufacturers are encouraged to take action by contacting their legislators and urging them to defend competitive generation and protect customers. 3/26/2025