Toledo Reporter

State Senators Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) and Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) testified this week in favor of Senate Bill 229, a legislative proposal aimed at altering the composition and nomination process of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).

“The House Bill 6 scandal will forever stain Ohio’s history,” stated DeMora. “The process must be fixed to ensure an affront like that never happens again. The first step is to make sure the public—the actual consumers—are represented on the PUCO council, not just special interests. This bill would also ensure that any future commissioner not have any previous ties to any entities subject to PUCO regulation. We can’t go back and prevent House Bill 6, but we can make sure it never happens again.”

Senate Bill 229 proposes adding three new members to the nominating council: a representative of minority communities appointed by the Governor and two public members, one appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and another by the Minority Leader of the Senate. According to proponents, these changes aim to prevent nefarious actors from joining the Commission while enhancing transparency and accountability.

“This bill will clearly place consumers' best interests at the forefront," said Hicks-Hudson. "By including specific recommendations from Ohio consumers, Ohio ratepayers' voices will be heard. Providing a different view to the ratemaking process is a significant improvement on current laws by bringing people to the table and providing a strong solution to prevent future scandals like House Bill 6 and protect Ohioans.”

Senate Bill 229 now awaits further hearings in the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee.