The PUCO participated in International Roadcheck — a high visibility, 72 hour, motor carrier inspection event — held throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada, May 14-16.
“International Roadcheck is one of the best ways to remind motor carriers of the responsibility of driving safely,” said PUCO Chair Jenifer French.
The event highlighted the important role roadside enforcement plays in ensuring North America’s highways remain safe and secure.
PUCO encourages consumers to review electricity supplier options
The PUCO is encouraging consumers to review their electric supplier options ahead of changes to the standard service offer, which is the default electricity price for customers of Ohio's utilities.
Starting June 2024, electricity prices should decrease for most Ohio consumers.
Customers can use the price to compare, printed on their monthly utility bill, when comparing electricity rates from competitive suppliers to know if switching suppliers will help them save money or not.
More information is available here.
|
PUCO authorizes FirstEnergy's electric security plan
The PUCO has authorized FirstEnergy's three Ohio distribution utilities to implement a 5-year electric security plan (ESP), beginning June 1, 2024.
“The order we approve today strikes an important balance to improve the service quality and reliability of the grid across FirstEnergy’s Ohio service territory and will reduce costs for the utilities’ SSO customers,” stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French. “Competitively priced power, enhancements to reliability and economic development programs, and helping the most vulnerable customers are important components of our order today.”
Details about the electric security plan are available here.
|
OPSB approves battery energy storage and transmission line projects
During their monthly meeting, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approved an agreement allowing Prairie Flyer Energy Storage to construct a new 85 megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system in Montgomery County, Ohio. The OPSB, at the meeting, also approved two other transmission line projects in Hancock and Fulton counties.
Read more about the decisions here.
|
Understanding the rate case process
A distribution rate case is a legal proceeding before a utility regulatory body (like the PUCO) in which a utility files an application to increase its distribution rate. They are typically filed when current rates no longer cover the cost of delivering reliable service.
In this month's News Bureau, we're breaking down how the PUCO reviews and decides on energy distribution rate cases.
Read more about the rate case process here.
|
PUCO authorizes North Star BlueScope, Toledo Edison electricity agreement
The PUCO has authorized a rate agreement between North Star BlueScope and Toledo Edison to facilitate planned expansions.
North Star BlueScope will add 112 megawatts of electric load in Toledo Edison’s interruptible program, in which it agrees to curtail its electric usage at its Delta, Ohio, facility during periods of peak demand on the electric grid.
Additionally, North Star BlueScope may be eligible for an additional 37 megawatts of interruptible load if it proceeds with the construction of a new facility in Fulton County, Ohio.
Read more about the agreement here.
|
May Commission actions
PUCO approves rail crossing upgrades in Sandusky and Wyandot counties
The PUCO approved safety upgrades at rail crossings in Sandusky and Wyandot counties. Those crossings will be improved with flashing lights, gates, circuitry upgrades or other safety enhancements.
Read more about the crossing upgrades here.
PUCO approves rail crossing upgrades in Auglaize and Hancock counties
The PUCO approved safety upgrades at rail crossings in Auglaize and Hancock counties. Those crossings will be improved with flashing lights, gates, circuitry upgrades or other safety enhancements.
Read more about the crossing upgrades here.
PUCO authorizes PRO-TEC to continue participating in utility demand response, transmission programs
The PUCO has authorized a rate agreement between PRO-TEC Coating Company, LLC and AEP Ohio allowing the company to participate in AEP Ohio’s load reduction program. PRO-TEC, located in Leipsic, Ohio, produces steel for the automotive industry.
More details about the arrangement are available here.
|
Chair Jenifer French testifies before Sunset Review Committee regarding the Underground Technical Committee
PUCO Chair French testified before the Sunset Review committee on behalf of the Underground Technical Committee (UTC) requesting continued support for the UTC.
"The UTC is ultimately responsible for deciding whether a person or entity is in violation of Ohio’s underground utility damage protection laws," said Chair French. "I am here to... ask that the members of this committee continue to support this entity."
Read the testimony here.
|
Older Americans month: scam awareness
 Scammers are increasingly targeting senior citizens.
Whether they approach by phone, email, or at your front door, knowing how to spot suspicious activity is the first step to avoid falling victim to utility scams.
Learn more about signs of a scam here.
Get updates when your rate changes
Receive an instant email or text notification when your utility changes their generation rates or natural gas prices.
Join the PUCO
 Interested in joining our team? The PUCO employs engineers, lawyers, analysts, accountants, customer service representatives, human resource professionals, auditors and many more!
Positions are posted regularly to Careers.Ohio.gov. Use the filter to select "Public Utilities Commission" to see all open jobs.
View all open positions at Careers.Ohio.gov.
|
