Rep. Rader Urges PUCO to Give Ohioans a Voice on AES Blackrock Acquisition

COLUMBUS — Representative Tristan Rader (D–Lakewood) today sent a letter to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) urging them to hold public hearings on Blackrock’s acquisition of AES Corporation, a Dayton-area utility.

“This transaction would be a significant change in the ultimate ownership and control of a regulated monopoly that serves over a half a million customers. This acquisition would result in higher rates for ratepayers, without them even having the opportunity to weigh in,” said Rep. Rader. “Ohioans who will live with the consequences of that decision should have a meaningful opportunity to be heard.”

AES Ohio is currently pursuing a new three-year rate plan that would increase residential electric bills beginning in 2027. At the same time, its service territory is facing extraordinary new electricity demand. AES itself has identified approximately 2.1 gigawatts of data-center growth at AES Ohio.

“Electric customers do not get to choose their distribution utility,” added Rep Rader. “When the ultimate ownership of that monopoly changes hands in a multibillion-dollar transaction, the public deserves more than a paper proceeding.”

Rep. Rader requested the PUCO create opportunities for constituents to engage through public hearings in the AES Ohio service area, an opportunity for customers, consumer advocates, and impacted stakeholders to offer testimony, and a virtual participation process for anyone who experiences barriers to engagement.

The letter is attached.