Four finalists for an open seat on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) were sent to Gov. Mike DeWine this week, teeing up a decision that will influence energy costs and grid oversight for manufacturers and other large power users. The PUCO Nominating Council advanced incumbent PUCO commissioner Dennis Deters, former Youngstown mayor Jamael “Tito” Brown, Larry Holmes and former state senator Sandra Williams for a five-year term beginning April 11, 2026. Holmes is a former Fort Recovery Industries executive who has been active in Ohio Manufacturers’ Association committee work on safety and workers’ compensation issues.

The commission regulates Ohio’s utilities and plays a central role in rate cases and infrastructure decisions that directly affect factory operations and competitiveness. 1/28/2026