What’s Next in Push to Repeal HB 6?

After this week’s legal developments involving House Bill 6, many Ohioans are wondering what’s next for the state’s scandal-tainted energy law?

For now, the OMA’s focus remains on enactment of Senate Bill 10, introduced by Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) to repeal anti-market, anti-consumer provisions of HB 6. The need for SB 10 to become law was highlighted in a Gongwer News Service article, in which OMA Energy Group counsel Kim Bojko is quoted as saying lawmakers should pass SB 10 to repeal HB 6’s decoupling provision, despite the recent deal brokered by Attorney General Dave Yost (see separate story).

Bojko said: “FirstEnergy didn’t apply to withdraw the rider. They didn’t remove the rider. They just set it to zero. … If it’s set to zero it can be easily repopulated.” She added that she had yet to see in writing where the company had agreed to not implement the rider in the future.

Meanwhile, Sens. Michael Rulli (R-Salem) and Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland) have introduced Senate Bill 44 to repeal the nuclear subsidies in HB 6. The OMA will offer analysis on this bill as well as SB 10 during its Feb. 25 Energy Committee meeting, which will be held via Zoom. Members are invited to register now. 2/4/2021