Merrilee Embs

The Governing Board meeting included discussions on PUCO activities, such as rate cases and electric security plans for various utilities like Enbridge, FirstEnergy, and Christi Water. The board also discussed a settlement with Duke Energy's Electric Security Plan, AEP GridSmart III, and efforts to fight for auditor independence. There were updates on matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), including the RTO adder case and PJM's requested reforms in the capacity auctions. Legislative activities were also discussed, including pending bills related to gas utilities, submetering, and utility bill transparency. The meeting also covered public outreach and website activities, as well as data on consumer calls and topics.

The meeting included recognition of new staff and the Employee of the Quarter. Resolutions were presented honoring outgoing board members and a retiring partner from the Ohio Poverty Law Center. The chairman announced his resignation. A presentation was given regarding the challenges faced by poor families and the limitations of the welfare system. Another presentation covered the remote disconnection of electric service and its impact on consumer protections. There was also a discussion on a Supreme Court decision regarding charges to consumers for the clean-up of defunct manufactured gas plants. The Consumers' Counsel reported on efforts to change state law to allow OCC to assist Ohioans with utility service complaints and discussed submetering and pending legislation related to utility subsidies.

The meeting addressed several key issues, including increasing the relevancy of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel amid changes in the utility industry, particularly for consumers in rural Ohio facing challenges like limited broadband and cell service. Discussions covered the impact of weather and terrain on renewable energy viability, the transition from coal to gas, and concerns about subsidies for utility companies. The board also considered the potential effects of the recent election results on energy policy, including the Clean Power Plan and utility issues in Ohio. Additionally, the board discussed the importance of educating legislators on unregulated markets and technological advancements affecting utility consumers.

The meeting included presentations from the Ohio Farm Bureau, OCC staff regarding county fair presence, Ohio Energy Users, and OCC staff on food insecurity in Ohio. Discussions covered legislative notebooks, submetering, truth in ratemaking, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) control over FirstEnergy's proposal. The board also discussed a Subsidy Scorecard and fiscal matters, including spending under budget.

The meeting included a recognition of former Vice-Chair Stuart Young for his service and Lisa Lyman and Maureen Willis as employees of the quarter. Discussions focused on utility regulation reform, including the process of selecting PUCO commissioners and concerns about industry ties of nominees. Updates were provided on investigations of FirstEnergy, OCC's nominations to the Ohio Power Siting Board, and activities at FERC, including an audit of FirstEnergy and efforts to end utilities charging consumers for a profit "adder." The board also discussed legislation, including House Bill 317 and subsidies under HB 6 for coal power plants.