from my Gen. Assembly Rep., and a great American, Danny Bubp:Electric Restructuring Bill is Presented
Last month, Governor Strickland introduced legislation that would restructure Ohio’s
electric industry. The bill is now being heard in the Senate Energy & Public Utilities Committee. In the coming weeks, legislators will be discussing the proposal as it is one of the most important issues facing our state in the coming months.
In order to maintain affordable and reliable energy sources, my colleagues and I must
work hard to make sure the best plan is provided to Ohioans. The governor’s proposal
would enable the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to determine reasonable
rates for energy.
Under his plan, electric companies would have the option of choosing a competitive
market-pricing plan or an electricity security plan. The proposal would also give more authority to PUCO for oversight of utilities.
The measure would specify that by 2025 at least 25 percent of electricity sold to Ohioans must be generated from advanced energy technology. At least 12.5 percent of the 25 percent must come from renewable sources such as biomass (plant material and animal waste), wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower. Additionally, the measure would require that 6.25 percent of the 12.5 percent of the renewable energy must be created in Ohio.
Also included in the proposal is a provision that would allow electric utilities to seek the recovery of costs associated with upgrading facilities to become more energy efficient. It would also require each power plant in Ohio to make a full annual report of its greenhouse gas emissions.
While many of us might not be familiar with all the different types of renewable energy sources available, I will continue to provide information through this column as the discussions continue. As our population increases we all need to become more efficient in our use of energy resources and mindful of the impact on our environment. It is up to all of us to work extra hard to preserve the environment for our kids and grandkids.
Don’t forget to attend the Mt. Orab Festival Spaghetti Dinner at the Mt. Orab VFW Hall from 5-8:00pm on Friday, October 12th. Also the Brown County 4-H Ox Roast is 4-
7:00pm at the Fairgrounds in Georgetown on Friday, October 12th. Saturday, October 13th is the National Wild Turkey Dinner at the West Union Firehouse at 6:00pm and the 2nd Annual Quail Forever Banquet is in Owensville at the Clermont County Fairgrounds at 7:00pm.
God, guns, and good government....is this an example of good government? Let Rep. Bubp know at (614) 644-6034 or write him, State Representative Danny Bubp, 77 S. High St., District 88, Columbus, OH 43215. Or e- mail at District88 at ohr dot state dot oh dot us.
