Lawrence Friedeman

The Commission meeting addressed numerous cases across various sectors. In Electric matters, actions included the approval of an opinion and order for a tariff case, findings and orders for applications from Duke Energy Ohio, Inc., and consideration of certification requests for Op2mize Energy LLC and EAH Energy LLC. Other electric items involved the adoption of Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4901:1-40 rules and entries regarding auditor selection and dismissals of requests. For Gas cases, the Commission considered the adoption of rules for Chapters 4901:1-12 and 4901:1-43, as well as entries considering withdrawal requests and auction results for Enbridge Gas Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio, Inc. Telephone cases included an entry considering an application from Impact Telecom, LLC. Transportation matters involved entries considering requests for rehearing, motions for default judgment, requests to dismiss, and a finding and order concerning a grade crossing improvement project.

The commission meeting addressed numerous case items across electric, gas, and transportation sectors. Key actions included granting in part and denying in part applications for rehearing in case 24-468 E L AIR. The commission approved the termination of supplier coordination agreements between Ohio Electric Distribution Utilities and NextV Energy. Several opinion and orders were adopted based on stipulations, including finding that AES Ohio did not have significantly excessive earnings in 2024. Motions to dismiss were granted for multiple cases due to resolved issues or failure to prosecute. Audit services were selected for reviewing AES Ohio's distribution investment rider. In gas matters, the commission granted a rehearing application for Palmer Energy Company and adopted a joint stipulation resolving issues for Ohio Cumberland Gas Company's rate increase application. For transportation cases, settlement agreements were approved, directing respondents to pay civil forfeitures in several instances, and a default judgment was granted based on a respondent's failure to appear. Additionally, the commission directed a railroad to install improvements at a grade crossing in Moskegan County. The final segment recognized the retirement of a dedicated employee after 39 years of service.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum. Key agenda items involved the review and approval of case filings. The board issued a certificate to American Transmission Systems Incorporated for the construction and operation of a 138 kilovolt electric transmission line in Mahoning County. Furthermore, a certificate was issued to Bluegrass Power Generation for an 800 megawatt natural gas generation facility in Faget County. Finally, the board granted an application filed by Blue Creek Wind Farm to amend a certificate for a wind power generating facility in Van Wart and Palton counties, and also granted an application from Wheatsboro Solar to amend its certificate for a solar power generation facility in Erie County.

The meeting addressed several agenda items across various utility sectors. For electric service, the commission approved an opinion finding that a complainant did not sustain the burden of proof against Ohio Edison Company regarding general service rates, and approved setting uncollectible expense rates for Duke Energy Ohio. Additionally, two applications for certification as competitive retail electric service providers were approved, and proposed amendments to rules regarding the alternative energy portfolio standard were adopted. In gas matters, the commission adopted rules for the Ohio Coal Research and Development Rate, adopted amendments for cost recovery rules, and approved requests to withdraw applications for retail natural gas service certification. The commission also approved the standard choice offer auction results for Ambridge Gas Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio, directing tariff filings effective April 1, 2026. For transportation, the commission granted a request to pay assessed forfeitures in installments, found violations of transportation regulations in two other cases, granted staff's motion for default judgment in two cases due to respondent failure to appear, closed one case, and denied a request to reopen another matter. Finally, the railroad in one case was directed to install lights and gates at a crossing in Migs County by November 4, 2026.

The meeting, held with ad hoc board members present for the Ritter Station Solar case, addressed several agenda items. The primary focus included hearing comments opposing the Ritter solar project in Gorm Township, where speakers argued that the project does not serve the public interest given local opposition and cumulative impacts from the existing Archie solar project. The Board subsequently denied the motion for leave to file an application for rehearing regarding Case 24928 ELBGN. Additionally, the Board granted approvals related to energy facility certificates for Cases 25850, 25856, and 25965, which involved amendments for solar and wind-powered electric generating facilities in Putnam, Franklin, and Paling Counties, respectively.