The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Energy Group (OMAEG) recently argued before the Ohio Supreme Court against Public Utilities Commission of Ohio decisions approving hundreds of millions of dollars in coal plant subsidies charged to customers. In one case, OMAEG challenged the PUCO’s approval of $115 million collected from Ohio ratepayers to support two aging, uneconomic coal plants, including one located in Indiana. OMAEG argued the decision was unlawful and unreasonable, citing improper exclusion of evidence and a failure to determine whether utilities acted prudently in continuing to operate the plants.

The Court also heard arguments on a separate PUCO order allowing AEP Ohio to recover more than $74.5 million for similar subsidies. OMAEG urged the Court to overturn the order and require refunds to customers or, alternatively, order a new independent audit. The cases underscore the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association ongoing efforts to protect manufacturers and other customers from unjustified energy costs. 12/15/2025