Rep. Glassburn: The Ohio House Passes Two Bipartisan Bills to Reduce Energy Cost, Improve Reliability

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Chris Glassburn (D-North Olmsted) Wednesday announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 303, to a establish community energy pilot program in Ohio, and Senate Bill (SB) 103, to reform ratemaking and accountability for natural gas providers. Both bills received favorable bipartisan votes on the House floor and represent a continued effort to empower consumers and modernize Ohio’s energy landscape. 

“SB 103 does four things: it helps with affordability and the rapid increase of Ohioans energy bills; it improves energy reliability keeping our house warm and our water flowing, it enforces greater accountability standards, and it creates a secure and competitive environment to expand our energy generation,” said Rep. Glassburn. “SB 103 continues the work we started with HB 15 and furthers our goals of ensuring Ohioans have access to affordable and reliable energy.” 

The progress on SB 103 and HB 303 represents a crucial continuation of the foundational work established by House Bill 15, which was signed into law earlier this year. A version of HB 303 was amended into the HB 15 but was later removed by the Ohio Senate. These measures not only address immediate concerns about reliability and cost but also set the stage for long-term sustainability in Ohio’s energy sector.   

“By implementing HB 303, we are generating nearly 1500 megawatts of power here in Ohio,” said Rep. Glassburn. “Community energy programs are the fastest way to get more energy on Ohio’s grid. Passing HB 303 lowers consumers’ bills, provide construction jobs, and allow Ohioans the freedom to choose what type of energy they want in their home.” 

HB 303 now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration and SB 103 will be brought before the governor for his signature.