This month, thousands of motor carrier enforcement officers across North America took part in the three-day transportation safety event known as International Roadcheck.
The PUCO, along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, inspected trucks at weigh stations, berms and rest areas. This year they focused on hours-of-service regulations and proper tire maintenance.
Together they conducted 1,245 inspections.
Found 1,529 violations.
And placed 354 drivers or trucks out of service.
Learn more about International Roadcheck and why it makes Ohio's highways safer here.
PUCO authorizes electric security plan for Duke Energy Ohio
This month, the PUCO authorized an electric security plan for Duke Energy Ohio, effective June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2028.
“Today we approve a wide-ranging settlement in which Duke Energy Ohio will continue to provide competitively priced power, invest in its system, and provide assistance to the most vulnerable,” stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French.
Duke Energy Ohio will continue to source electricity for its customers through a competitive bidding process.
The utility will also develop a distribution capacity hosting map to identify areas in Duke’s service territory that may have available capacity for new electric loads, which can lead to more efficient grid planning.
The utility will continue programs to recover its investments in the distribution grid and vegetation management expenses, subject to future PUCO audit and approval.
Additionally, Duke Energy Ohio will implement a $7.2 million energy efficiency program targeted at eligible low-income customers and contribute $575,000 in shareholder funds towards payment assistance and customer education initiatives.
More information about the plan and the PUCO's order is available here.
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Commissioner Deters at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
On April 30, PUCO Commissioner Dennis Deters attended the second meeting of the Federal-State Current Issues Collaborative. The Collaborative was established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and explores cross-jurisdictional issues relevant to FERC and state utility commissions.
Watch the recording here.
In June, Commissioner Deters will also be a panelist at the commissioner-led technical conference "Meeting the Challenge of Resource Adequacy". His panel will discuss the the status of resource adequacy, and the role of states in achieving resource adequacy, in the PJM region.
Learn more about the conference and stream it on June 4 and 5 here.
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PUCO approves $1.2 million in rail crossing safety upgrades
Three counties in Ohio will receive over $1.2 million in rail crossing safety upgrades.
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Fayette County: Indiana & Ohio Railway Company will install flashing lights and gates with surface reconstruction at the South North Street grade crossing in the city of Washington Courthouse
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Case updates
CenterPoint Energy Ohio - 24-0832-GA-AIR
PUCO staff have filed a staff report regarding CenterPoint Energy Ohio's application to increase its natural gas distribution rates. The report recommends a lower rate of return as well as lower customer charges compared to the company's proposal.
Read the full report here.
Suburban Natural Gas - 25-0553-GA-AIR
Suburban Natural Gas Company has filed a letter of notification with the PUCO, indicating its intent to apply for an alternative rate plan. Suburban will file its application within 30 days.
Stay up-to-date with this case by following along in the docket here.
AEP Ohio - 25-392-EL-AIR
AEP Ohio has filed a pre-filing notice with the PUCO, indicating its intent to apply for an increase in electric distribution rates. AEP will file its application within 30 days.
Follow this case in the docket here.
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OPSB extends certificate for Lucas County natural gas-fired power plant
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has granted Clean Energy Future-Oregon, LLC’s request for a one-year extension of its certificate to construct a natural gas-fired, 955 megawatt (MW) combined-cycle electric generation facility in Lucas County. The extension will allow the project additional time to complete development activities initiated by its new owner.
The project was recently selected by PJM Interconnection (PJM) for its Reliability Resource Initiative (RRI), which provides a one-time opportunity for certain projects that will increase grid reliability to go through an expedited PJM interconnection process.
“The State of Ohio has been urging PJM to speed-up its review of power plants wishing to connect to the grid,” stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French. “Taking advantage of interconnection reform, this project will go a long way towards helping ensure the lights stay on.”
More information about this project and other OPSB business is available here.
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 ❗Important update for Ohio's electric customers:
Starting June 1, new rates will take effect for customers not participating in a government aggregation or enrolled with a competitive supplier.
These new rates reflect the current market price of energy — by law, your utility earns no profit on these charges.
You have options:
- You can choose your own supplier on the PUCO's Energy Choice Ohio website (energychoice.ohio.gov). Use the price to compare listed on your bill to compare rates.
- Budget billing, payment plans and other assistance programs can help you manage the costs of monthly bills. Check out PUCO.ohio.gov/utilityhelp.
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.
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