Energy bill House changes

The Ohio House made major changes Tuesday to Gov. Ted Strickland’s energy bill after Strickland, Speaker Jon Husted and Senate President Bill Harris reached a compromise. The House then passed by a 93-to-1 vote a bill that:

Gives regulators authority over determining how much power can be bought on the open market after the first two years.

Gives regulators the power to cut rates if utilities are found to have significantly higher earnings than other comparable, publicly traded companies.

Ensures that customers, through a regulated plan or buying on the opening market, get the lowest possible rate.

Requires utilities to create 12 1/2 percent of their total power from renewable energy sources by 2025, but drops the requirement if it would increase electric bills by more than 3 percent.

Gives regulators more authority over what costs utilities can pass on to customers.

Source: Ohio House of Representatives