Dear Friend,
NEWS: The utility companies tried to keep their coal plant
bailouts yesterday—and they FAILED.
In a stunning 17-7 committee vote followed by a 90-3 House floor
vote, Ohio lawmakers stood strong against pressure to extend the
costly OVEC subsidies that have drained nearly half a billion dollars
from Ohio ratepayers since 2019.
What Happened Yesterday
In committee, utility allies tried to add an amendment to extend the
OVEC subsidies through 2026, claiming utilities needed an "off
ramp" and warning that immediate repeal would hurt Ohio's business
reputation.
What's next
The two chambers now need
to negotiate a final version, and FirstEnergy, AEP, and other
utilities are deploying their lobbyists to water down these
reforms.
The final bill is being
negotiated as you read this. House Speaker Matt Huffman has said the
differences between the House and Senate versions are "slight," but we
can't take anything for granted.
We need
your voice RIGHT NOW to protect the OVEC repeal
Every single day, Ohio
families and businesses are forced to pay to subsidize the Ohio Valley
Electric Corporation (OVEC) – aging, unprofitable coal plants that
include one that's not even in our state!
In the first half of 2025
alone, these corporate bailouts will cost Ohioans approximately $80.6
million. That's money that should be staying in your pocket.
We've never been this close to
fixing Ohio's broken energy system
The Ohio legislature is
currently crafting major energy legislation (House
Bill 15 and Senate Bill 2) that could finally end these costly
subsidies. These bills would:
- Repeal the OVEC coal plant subsidies.
- Stop utilities from adding expensive projects to consumer bills
without proper review. Currently, utilities can add charges through
"Electric Security Plans" with minimal oversight.
- Create the school energy efficiency loan program that issues loans
to public schools for the purposes of improving energy efficiency in
schools.
This is critical progress that we need to
protect.
We need your voice
RIGHT NOW to ensure the strongest possible bill makes it to the
governor's desk.
It will take two
minutes to email your legislators using our email tool. Please feel free to
edit the letter using your own words.
Thank you for standing up for Ohio ratepayers!
Ohio Citizen Action
P.S. Our team is working to end these corporate bailouts,
but we can't do it without your support. If you're able, please consider making a donation of $5, $10, or
$25 today to help fuel our advocacy efforts. Every dollar helps us
amplify the voices of Ohioans. Thank you!
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