Rep. Hall Responds to Ohio Supreme Court Decision Declaring Submetering Companies as Public Utilities

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Derrick Hall (D-Akron) today responded to an Ohio Supreme Court ruling that states that submetering companies are public utilities under state law and therefore are subject to regulation by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). This ruling contradicts House Bill (HB) 173, a bill recently passed by the Ohio House that aims to exempt certain submetering businesses from regulation as a public utility by PUCO.

“I voted ‘yes’ on House Bill 173 because I believe some regulation is better than none. HB 173 took steps towards regulating submetering, accordingly I agree with the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision. PUCO can now hold these companies to the same standards as other utilities and ensure that renters are granted the same protections as other consumers,” said Rep. Hall.