Rep. Brennan Calls for Immediate Reform to PJM Auction Process, Lower Energy Costs for Ohioans

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) today is calling for immediate state action to protect Ohio consumers and businesses from escalating energy costs. In response to the recent announcement by PJM Interconnection that capacity auction prices for the 2026–2027 delivery year have jumped to $329.17 per megawatt-day—a significant increase from last year

“Ohioans are already struggling with rising costs, and this latest auction result from PJM will only make things worse,” said Rep. Brennan. “Our families, manufacturers, and small businesses should not be footing the bill for PJM’s slow pace, lack of transparency, and failure to modernize. It’s time for Ohio to step up and demand reform.”

The PJM capacity auction—intended to ensure sufficient electricity supply—continues to draw criticism for prioritizing outdated energy sources and failing to connect new, cleaner, and lower-cost generation in a timely manner. Despite more than 85 gigawatts of renewable energy and storage waiting to join the grid, only 4% of PJM’s current capacity mix comes from wind and solar.

“New generation is sitting idle while Ohioans pay billions more. We must break this cycle,” said Rep. Brennan. “Pennsylvania showed leadership by placing a price collar on PJM’s auction—shielding its residents from even higher prices. Ohio should do the same immediately.” 

Rep. Brennan is urging Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly to:

• Demand greater transparency and accountability from PJM, including reforms to its forecasting and auction processes;
• Require faster interconnection of renewable and clean energy projects to meet rising demand driven by data center growth;
• Push for fairer, more competitive energy markets that don’t reward legacy generators at the expense of consumers; and
• Pursue siting and permitting reforms at the state level to unlock the 37 gigawatts of already-approved projects held up by red tape.

“PJM’s dysfunction is costing Ohio jobs and driving up utility bills. We need new leadership, faster timelines, and a customer-first approach. The future of our economy depends on affordable and reliable electricity—and that means clean energy must be allowed to compete,” said Rep. Brennan.