Energy Management

Time to Register for OMA’s Energy Conference

Time is running out to register for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Energy Conference, set for Sept. 13 in Westerville. This event features an impressive array of manufacturers and energy industry experts that will provide actionable and timely information.

Among the speakers will be Lt. Gov. Jon Husted; Cleveland-Cliffs President and CEO Lourenco Goncalves; and Rick Riggle, chief operating officer of L-H Battery Co. (joint venture of LG Energy Solution and Honda). See this one-page agenda and this press release. Then register! 8/24/2023

Report: FirstEnergy Settlement Email Is Legit

FirstEnergy is issuing refunds to customers as part of a multi-million-dollar class-action settlement related to the House Bill 6 scandal. The class consists of all customers who paid a charge or rate to FirstEnergy and did not opt out of the class.

Media have reported that the email sent to FirstEnergy (Toledo Edison, Cleveland Electric, or Ohio Edison) customers to notify them of a digital payment is legitimate. Visit this site for more information. 8/15/2023

IRA Turns One Year Old; EV Questions Remain

The federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) turned a year old this week. E&E News reports that many questions remain regarding the law’s long-term effect on the electric vehicle industry and its supply chain.

One study finds that since the enactment of the IRA, private industry has invested $56 billion into the EV ecosystem to build everything from battery materials to charging stations. Ohio has emerged as a leader in EV-related projects, and Northwest Ohio’s 9th Congressional District is the nation’s top congressional district for total EV projects with six.

The OMA recently published this look at how the EV transition is impacting Ohio’s auto sector. 8/17/2023

Gasoline Prices Continue Upward Trend

For five consecutive weeks, the U.S. average price of gasoline has climbed, hitting $3.82 per gallon earlier this week, according to data from GasBuddy. The price increases have been fueled largely by OPEC production cuts. In Ohio, gasoline was an average $3.63 as of Aug. 15, according to AAA’s map. 8/15/2023

Messages Detail Cozy Relationship Between Former PUCO Chair, FirstEnergy Execs

Newly revealed text messages from 2019 appear to show top FirstEnergy executives at the time discussed payments to Sam Randazzo, who had just been appointed to oversee the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

As the Ohio Capital Journal reports, Randazzo helped draft House Bill 6, which aimed to provide the utility with a $1.3 billion bailout and other benefits. While Randazzo and the former FirstEnergy executives haven’t been charged in the scandal, they “could be the next targets as federal authorities continue their probe,” the story notes. 8/9/2023

Positive Momentum for Renewable Energy Projects

The Supreme Court of Ohio recently gave final approval to a permit for a 71-turbine wind farm that would span Huron and Erie counties. Justices unanimously affirmed the Ohio Power Siting Board’s order, with Justice Pat DeWine writing for the court. Read more on this development.

Meanwhile, the power siting board is considering final approval of what would be one of the largest solar farms in the U.S., according to Gongwer News Service. And one of the largest renewable natural gas plants of its kind in North America has commenced operations in Mahoning County. 8/3/2023

U.S. Chamber Criticizes Rules Changes on Energy Permitting

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is criticizing the Biden administration’s proposed rules changes to an energy permitting reform plan OK’d by Congress. The rules changes were not part of the reform plan, according to reports. They would update the National Environmental Policy Act by including climate and equity factors impacting how federal agencies execute reviews. 8/2/2023

Cleveland-Cliffs CEO, Lt. Gov. Husted to Speak at Manufacturers’ Energy Conference, September 13

If you haven’t already, it’s time to register for the 2023 Ohio Manufacturers’ Energy Conference, set for Sept. 13 in Westerville. This event will feature energy insights and best practices from manufacturers and other experts. Topics will include efficiency, reliability, on-site generation, and much more.

Among this year’s keynote speakers will be Lourenco Goncalves, chairman, president and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, as well as Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. The event’s speakers list will be updated as details are finalized. 7/25/2023

Study: Electric Riders Have Eroded Ohio Customer Savings

A new study by Ohio researchers reveals more than 20 years of deregulated electricity markets have meant lower generation costs for Ohio customers — but these savings have been negated by riders added to electricity bills. Moreover, the riders have not been directly related to generation, transmission, or distribution. Read the study.

Published by Utilities Policy, a peer-reviewed academic publication, the study examined electricity prices in three states with restructured generation markets (Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania), comparing them to three other states that did not deregulate (Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin). Despite the benefits from restructuring, Ohio’s cost advantage — when compared to the other deregulated states — deteriorated from 2013 to 2020, according to the study. 7/24/2023

Automakers Join Forces on EV Charging Network

Seven major global automakers — including OMA members Honda, General Motors, and Stellantis — have announced they will create an unprecedented new charging network to significantly expand access to high-powered EV charging across North America. According to this news release, at least 30,000 high-powered charge points will be installed in urban and highway locations, with the first stations set to open next summer. 7/27/2023