House Energy Committee adopts substitute for House Bill 15 after tax, PUCO and net‑metering changes

The House Energy Committee on the bill’s fourth hearing adopted a substitute for House Bill 15 that sponsors said lowers taxes on new generation, creates decision “shot clocks” for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and the Ohio Power Siting Board, and adjusts net‑metering and storage tax treatment.

Committee leaders said the substitute reflects months of stakeholder input and technical edits. “I move to amend House Bill 15 with Sub Bill 130 six‑six 80 eight‑three,” Vice Chair Klopfenstein said when offering the amendment; Chair Holmes then announced, “Without objection, the motion is agreed to and the sub bill is adopted,” concluding the fourth hearing.

Why it matters: Sponsors said the package is intended to make Ohio more competitive for new generation investment while preserving some local revenues and shortening regulatory timelines that sponsors and utilities said often delay projects.

Key provisions and how they would work

- TPP tax on new generation: The substitute lowers the tangible personal property (TPP) tax on new generation and energy conversion equipment from 25% to 7% for new projects, according to sponsors. Existing facilities would remain taxed at the current rates. Committee discussion stressed the change is intended to keep Ohio competitive for new investment while maintaining local revenue streams for currently taxed facilities.

- Priority investment areas: Local communities may apply to the Department of Development for a “priority…