Energy Management

Sam Randazzo: A Complete Timeline

The Columbus Dispatch recently published an article detailing the full timeline of events surrounding the career and downfall of former PUCO Chair Sam Randazzo following his suicide earlier this month.

While the House Bill 6 investigation is still ongoing, federal prosecutors will dismiss the case against Randazzo following his suicide. The case against Randazzo from the state of Ohio is still ongoing. 4/17/2024

Lawmakers Propose Natural Gas Infrastructure Incentives

A plan to establish loans for local governments and a tax break for natural gas companies to extend the fossil fuel to more Ohio communities is currently under consideration in the Ohio House.

House Bill 349, sponsored by State Reps. Tim Barhorst (R-Fort Loramie) and Don Jones (R-Freeport) would allocate $20 million for a revolving loan program to aid local governments with acquiring natural gas pipeline easements in such zones. 4/17/2024

Former PUCO Chairman Sam Randazzo Found Dead

On Tuesday, Apr. 9, former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Chairman Sam Randazzo was found dead from apparent suicide.

Randazzo had been indicted in both federal and state courts for taking bribes from FirstEnergy while serving as PUCO Chair. FirstEnergy had admitted to the bribe during a deferred prosecution agreement.

This is the second suicide to follow the ongoing House Bill 6 investigation. Neil Clark, a longtime Columbus lobbyist, was found dead by a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 2021 at his home in Florida.

Former Speaker of the Ohio House Larry Householder was also convicted in June and is currently serving a 20 year sentence. 4/09/2024

Investigation Sheds Further Light on Cozy Relationship Between Sam Randazzo, First Energy

The ongoing investigation of House Bill 6 and trial of former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) chairman Sam Randazzo has shed new light on the cozy relationship between the former regulator and First Energy.

Court records filed last Friday show the close relationship the former PUCO chair had with executives at First Energy. This includes attending Christmas parties with FirstEnergy executives, sending memes celebrating the passage of bills benefiting the energy company, and most infamously, Randazzo dressing as a superhero (pictured above) and texting the picture to FirstEnergy’s then-senior Vice President of External Affairs Michael Dowling among others.

Randazzo is accused of being paid $4.3 million to work on FirstEnergy’s behalf to save the utility money and pass House Bill 6, which bailed out two FirstEnergy-owned nuclear power plants.

Randazzo is also accused of skimming money off side deals he crafted between utilities, including FirstEnergy and American Electric Power, and his large industrial user clients. 4/02/2024

PUCO Authorizes AEP Electric Security Plan

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) this week approved a settlement agreement authorizing AEP Ohio to implement a 4-year electric security plan (ESP), beginning Jun. 1, 2024.

According to the PUCO release, AEP Ohio will, under the new agreement, continue to source electricity for its customers through a competitive bidding process.

In addition to significantly reducing the over $4 billion in new and increased charges to customers that AEP initially proposed, the settlement expands participation for both the Basic Transmission Cost Rider (BTCR) Pilot and the interruptible program.

The OMA Energy Group’s successful negotiations ensured continued Pilot participation for members that participated during ESP IV or under a reasonable arrangement at all sites, with an opt-out option in the ESP’s second year and the ability to replace members who opt out with different members. The negotiations also secured continued interruptible program participation for members who participated during ESP IV.

The OMA will be discussing the settlement at the next Energy Group Committee on May 8. 4/03/2024

OPSB Approves Largest Solar Power Project in Ohio

The Ohio Power Sitting Board recently approved Oak Run Solar’s proposal despite heavy local government pushback.

The 800-megawatt facility and an accompanying 300-megawatt battery energy storage system in Madison County is the largest solar project approved in Ohio to date and represents the nation’s largest agrivoltaics project. 4/03/2024

Former Speaker Larry Householder Indicted on 10 Additional Charges

Former Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder was indicted this week on 10 additional felony charges relating to the ongoing HB 6 scandal, including one that would bar him from holding any public office.

On Monday, a Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted Householder on additional charges, which include alleged misuse of campaign funds, ethics violations, and theft in office.

Householder served two separate terms as speaker, in addition to holding county office. 3/25/2024

Bricker Graydon LLP to Host Energy Exchange

On April 2, OMA Connections Partner Bricker Graydon LLP will host their Energy Exchange, discussing insights and the impact of interconnection reform at PJM and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) on all forms of energy development throughout Ohio.

Headlining the event will be Mike Volpe, Senior Vice President, Open Road Renewables; Ronald Paryl, Director, Markets and Risk Management, Advanced Power; and Devin Parram, Partner and Energy Practice Group Chair, Bricker Graydon. 3/25/2024

Former PUCU Chair Sam Randazzo Could Lose Law License

The former chair of Ohio’s Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) could be stripped of his license after a complaint was filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel regarding his connection to the ongoing House Bill 6 scandal.

The OMA is continuing to monitor the HB6 scandal and fallout as the investigation proceeds. 3/20/2024

OMA Preparing for Annual Energy Conference in September

The OMA is preparing for its 2024 Ohio Manufacturers’ Energy Conference on September 19th located at the Quest Conference Center.

Sponsorship packages are available for the conference. Contact Nick Miller for more information. 3/13/2024