House Leaders Block Bill to Repeal OVEC Subsidies

Ohio House leaders this week took action to preserve current law that forces electric ratepayers to fund 1950s-era coal plants.

As reported, House Republicans voted to recall House Bill 120, which would repeal House Bill 6 subsidies for the Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (OVEC). A group of Democrat and Republican lawmakers have been attempting to take HB 120 directly to the House floor (bypassing the committee process) via a discharge petition, which requires 50 signatures.

Meanwhile, it appears utilities intend to resume collecting OVEC subsidies from customers beginning in July. A recent OMA study found Ohio customers will subsidize OVEC’s utility owners (AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, and AES) an estimated $850 million by 2030 if the subsidies aren’t repealed. 6/22/2023