Rep. Klopfenstein Introduces Legislation to Help Ohioans Save on Energy Bills and Improve Grid Reliability

COLUMBUS– State Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) today introduced House Bill 427, legislation to modernize Ohio’s energy regulations and help homeowners and small businesses save money while improving electric grid reliability. 

“This legislation is a crucial step in our state's comprehensive plan to ensure all Ohioans have access to reliable, affordable, and readily available energy,” said Representative Klopfenstein. “Demand response programs have proven to be a vital tool for our large commercial users, and it's important that similar programs are made available to residential and small commercial users. These programs will ease the strain on our energy grid and save money for all Ohioans.”

The bill encourages the establishment of voluntary demand response programs, where participating customers can allow utilities to temporarily adjust energy usage, such as raising thermostat settings or cycling water heaters, during periods of high demand. Customers would always have the ability to override these actions, and utilities would be permitted to compensate participants with either an annual payment or a per-event fee. 

Additionally, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) would be responsible for reviewing these programs to ensure they are cost-effective for customers. 

House Bill 427 awaits a committee assignment.