Ohio PUCO Chair French outlines energy policy to support affordability and economic growth

In a pivotal meeting of the Ohio House Energy Committee held on February 5, 2025, discussions centered around the state's energy landscape and the challenges it faces in meeting growing demand. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as committee members and experts gathered to address the pressing issues of energy reliability, affordability, and the need for modernization.

Jennifer French, the chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), took center stage to outline the current state of Ohio's energy framework. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive generation mix, which includes coal, gas, nuclear, solar, and wind energy. French highlighted that Ohio's energy generation is primarily driven by natural gas, accounting for 60% of the state's capacity, with a total of around 25,000 megawatts available to power approximately 18.75 million homes.

The committee was particularly concerned about the reliability of the electric grid, as increasing demand from manufacturing and the retirement of older plants create a supply-demand imbalance. French noted that over 90% of new projects seeking to connect to the grid are renewable resources, such as solar and battery storage. This shift towards intermittent energy sources raises questions about the stability of supply, prompting calls for more baseload generation—energy sources that can provide consistent power, like nuclear and natural gas.

French also discussed the significance of Ohio's participation in competitive wholesale and retail markets, which she argued is crucial for economic development and consumer choice. With Ohio being a major player in the PJM regional transmission organization, representing about 20% of its load, the state must ensure its interests are effectively advocated at the federal level.

The meeting underscored the need for grid modernization, with ongoing investments in smart grid technology aimed at enhancing reliability and service quality. French reassured committee members that PUCO is committed to supporting economic growth while ensuring that residents have access to affordable and reliable energy.

As the meeting concluded, the sense of urgency remained palpable. The committee recognized that addressing these energy challenges is not just about meeting current needs but also about laying the groundwork for Ohio's future economic prosperity. The discussions set the stage for ongoing collaboration between lawmakers and energy regulators, emphasizing a shared mission to champion the interests of Ohio's ratepayers.