Ohio committee hears testimony to codify PUCO ruling letting landlords resell electricity to tenants

House Bill 173 would codify a recent Public Utilities Commission of Ohio decision that allows landlords and private companies to resell electricity and other utility services to tenants behind the meter while leaving the commission with authority to regulate those providers. Committee members heard proponent testimony and asked about consumer protections such as price caps, complaint mechanisms and eligibility for assistance programs.

Kim Boyko, partner at Carpenter Lipps testifying for Champion Companies, told the House Energy Committee that "House Bill 173 would codify a recent PUCO decision that offers protections to tenants while allowing them to receive electricity and other utility services from their landlords." Boyko said the commission’s order settled litigation and that landlords and their agents may provide electricity at or below the…