Ohio Public Utilities Commission

The commission held a regular meeting to address multiple agenda items. Key discussions included proposed amendments to nominating council rules, the adoption of emergency rates for Soby Thermal Energy Systems LLC, and a decision to deny an application regarding reliability performance standards. The commission also handled renewable energy resource facility certifications, approved adjustments to a distribution decoupling rider, and addressed a motion to dismiss a complaint. Additionally, the commission authorized the reallocation of electric certified territories for several providers, denied a request for rehearing from the Retail Energy Supply Association, approved an adjustment to a capital expenditure program rider, and sanctioned a transaction between CenterPoint Energy Ohio and National Fuel Gas Company. The meeting also addressed requests for borrowing authority and participation in utility money pool agreements, set a test period and date certain for an application, and held a retirement celebration for a long-term employee.

The board addressed several solar energy cases, including the denial of a rehearing application for Crossroads Solar 1 LLC, the approval of a withdrawal request for Hill Climber Solar LLC, and the denial of a certificate application for Sloopy Solar LLC. Additionally, the board approved a joint application to bifurcate and transfer a portion of a certificate for Powell Creek Solar LLC and granted an amendment to the certificate for the Madison Field Solar Project LLC to construct and operate a solar-powered electric generating facility.

The commission addressed various electric, gas, water, and transportation items. Key actions included denying applications for rehearing, revoking a renewable energy resource facility certificate, dismissing several matters with prejudice, approving vegetation management cost recovery, and auditing cost recovery riders. Additionally, the commission set a comment period for proposed corporate separation rule modifications, accepted competitive auction results, approved rate increases for wastewater services, and enforced transportation regulations through civil forfeitures and default judgments.

The commission addressed multiple utility cases, including approvals regarding Columbia Gas and various electric utilities' generation and transmission rates. The board denied several applications for rehearing filed by various entities. Additionally, the commission authorized emergency rates for a thermal energy system, approved the reallocation of electric certified territories, and approved a reasonable arrangement for a forging corporation. Staff was directed to issue a request for proposal for an alternative energy writer review. The meeting also addressed gas service standards, annual reports on service disconnections, and several cases involving telephone and transportation matters, including the installation of warning devices at various railroad grade crossings. Finally, the commission recognized an employee for their 15 years of service.

The board meeting addressed several key regulatory and administrative items. Decisions included the denial of applications for rehearing related to Crossroads Solar LLC and the approval of a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need to AEP Ohio Transmission Company for a transmission line rebuild project. Furthermore, the board adopted proposed amendments to the Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4906 and granted an 18-month extension for a certificate held by CPV Oregon.