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Ohio House Energy Committee chair outlines mission, new rules to speed energy development
Summary
At the committee’s organizational meeting, Representative Holmes set a mission focused on reliable, resilient and affordable energy, ordered a standing weekly schedule and asked members to submit amendments 24 hours before hearings to speed deliberations amid rising demand and wholesale price forecasts.
Representative Holmes, chair of the Ohio House Energy Committee, opened the committee’s organizational meeting and set a public mission and new operating rules aimed at accelerating energy development while protecting ratepayers. Holmes said the committee’s guiding purpose is “to ensure Ohio citizens have reliable, resilient, affordable energy.”
Holmes told members the committee will meet on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. going forward and asked that members submit “all amendments, sub bills, and testimony to the chair’s office at least 24 hours in advance” (Tuesdays at 3 p.m.) so lawmakers have time to review changes before hearings. He also named Representative Glassburn secretary of the committee and introduced staff and legislative counsel present for the session.
The chair framed the rules and schedule as part of a broader effort to support industrial and data-center growth in Ohio while avoiding energy shortfalls. Holmes cited recent PJM Interconnection wholesale price data and forecasts, saying 2024–25 clearing prices were about $29 per megawatt-hour and that 2025–26 estimates approached $269 per megawatt-hour, and he warned the committee about a tightening reserve margin. He also noted Ohio’s comparatively low retail rates, saying some large electricity users find Ohio prices (about $0.15 per kilowatt-hour, per the chair’s remarks) more attractive than higher rates in other states.
Holmes said five operating concepts will guide the committee: support development of new in-state generation capacity; reduce legislative barriers to new projects; incentivize market forces; ensure affordability for Ohio ratepayers; and strengthen grid safety and national security by increasing resilience of critical infrastructure. He told members the committee will “get real, aggressive on the clock” when scheduling hearings, but that work should be “well vetted” and not reckless.
Holmes introduced staff Tyler Click and legislative service corps fellow Sophia Spriggs and recognized Vice Chair Klopfenstein and Ranking Member Glassford. He said the committee will invite the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to present at the next meeting so members can hear the regulator’s view of the state’s energy environment.
No formal votes or motions were taken at the organizational meeting. The session consisted of administrative remarks, introductions and discussion of goals and procedures rather than consideration of legislation.
Holmes closed by reiterating the committee’s stated mission and saying members should expect a regular Wednesday 3 p.m. schedule going forward. The committee adjourned with plans to hear from PUCO at its next meeting.
