Rep. Brennan Applauds Ohio Supreme Court Decision Affirming Consumer Protections for Submetered Utility Customers

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) today applauded the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision rejecting Nationwide Energy Partners’ request for reconsideration and reaffirming its unanimous ruling that submetering companies are public utilities subject to oversight by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).

The decision represents a significant victory for Ohio consumers who deserve the same rights, protections, and accountability regardless of how their electricity is delivered.

“For far too long, thousands of Ohio families living in apartments and condominiums have been denied the basic consumer protections that every other utility customer takes for granted,” said Rep. Brennan. “The Ohio Supreme Court has made it clear that if a company is providing utility service to Ohioans, it must be accountable to the public and subject to meaningful oversight.”

The court’s ruling sends the dispute between AEP Ohio and Nationwide Energy Partners back to PUCO, opening the door for stronger regulation of an industry that has operated with limited consumer safeguards.

Rep. Brennan has been a vocal advocate for greater oversight of submetering companies and recently partnered with State Rep. Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) on bipartisan legislation, House Bill (HB) 265, that would regulate submetering companies as public utilities and ensure they meet the same standards expected of traditional utility providers.

“Consumers should not lose their rights simply because they live in a submetered apartment complex,” continued Rep. Brennan. “They deserve transparent billing, fair rates, reliable service, and access to the same complaint process and regulatory protections as every other Ohio utility customer.”

While celebrating the Supreme Court’s decision, Rep. Brennan also expressed concern that House Bill (HB) 173, which is currently awaiting Governor Mike DeWine’s signature, could limit the full impact of the court’s ruling.

“I appreciate the effort to establish standards for submetering companies, but I remain concerned that HB 173 does not go far enough to protect consumers and could undermine the important progress achieved by this unanimous Supreme Court decision,” added Rep. Brennan. “Ohio should be strengthening oversight, not creating loopholes that allow companies to avoid the full responsibilities that come with operating as a public utility.”

Rep. Brennan pledged to continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, consumer advocates, utilities, and regulators to ensure that every Ohioan receives fair treatment and meaningful protections in the utility marketplace.

“This decision is a win for transparency, accountability, and the principle that consumers come first,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “I will continue fighting to make sure Ohio law reflects those values and that no family is left without the protections they deserve simply because of where they live.”