Ohio lawmakers this week advanced a major pro-competition energy measure supported by the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA), with the House voting 96-1 to pass Senate Bill 106. The bill would keep electric vehicle charging in Ohio’s competitive retail electric market and prevent monopoly electric utilities from owning and operating charging stations at ratepayer expense.

The bill now returns to the Senate for concurrence on House amendments. OMA has backed the bill as a way to promote private investment, innovation and fair competition as manufacturers continue investing in fleet electrification, charging technologies and the supply chains that support them.

“Ohio’s EV charging market should be built by competition, not monopoly utility ownership,” said Lindsey Short, OMA managing director of energy and advocacy services. “Senate Bill 106 protects customers from unnecessary costs while giving private investors the certainty they need to keep building Ohio’s charging infrastructure.” 5/21/2026