Buckeye Reporter

The Ohio House Republican Caucus has announced the passage of House Bill 15, a comprehensive energy initiative, which is now headed to Governor Mike DeWine for consideration.

According to the Associated Press, House Bill 15 aims to eliminate ratepayer subsidies for two coal-fired power plants operated by the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation. These subsidies were initially funded under the controversial House Bill 6 and have been costing Ohioans approximately $400,000 per day. The repeal is described by supporters as a necessary step to restore trust in Ohio’s energy policy and alleviate financial burdens on consumers.

As outlined by the Ohio House of Representatives, HB 15 introduces a framework designed to encourage new baseload generation to meet the demands of a growing economy. The bill seeks to secure stable and affordable energy by incentivizing investment in generation assets that ensure consistent delivery across Ohio’s electrical grid. This strategy is supported by state leadership as a preparation for increased commercial and residential energy needs.

The Ohio Capital Journal reports that House Bill 15 includes transparency requirements such as quarterly "heat maps" from utility companies to display capacity constraints and surpluses across the grid. The legislation also proposes a pilot program for community-driven power generation and offers tax incentives aimed at attracting new energy infrastructure projects. These measures are intended to modernize grid planning and increase community participation in shaping the state’s energy future.

According to the Ohio House Republican Caucus, its members advocate for fiscally responsible, pro-growth policies that strengthen energy independence and consumer choice. The caucus serves as the primary legislative group for Republican lawmakers in the Ohio House of Representatives. Through initiatives like House Bill 15, it seeks to shape a resilient and transparent energy future for the state.