Reps. Brennan, Fischer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Regulating Submetering Companies, Protecting Ohio Consumers

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) and Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) have introduced House Bill (HB) 265 - bipartisan legislation to close a dangerous loophole in Ohio law by regulating submetering companies—unregulated entities that resell electricity, water, and gas to tenants in multi-unit housing.

The proposed legislation would define submetering companies as public utilities and bring them under the oversight of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), ensuring they are held to the same transparency, billing, and consumer protection standards as traditional utilities.

“At its core, this is about fairness and accountability,” said Rep. Brennan. “If a company walks, talks, and charges like a utility, it should be regulated like one. No Ohioan should be subjected to unregulated markups, disconnection threats, or predatory billing simply because of how their utilities are delivered.”

Currently, submetering companies operate in a legal gray area—reselling essential services without the consumer protections required of regulated utilities. Tenants across the state have reported being charged excessive fees, receiving unclear or delayed bills, and facing disconnection without due process.

“This bipartisan bill is pro-consumer and pro-transparency,” said Rep. Fischer. “It doesn’t eliminate submetering; it ensures it’s done fairly. Every Ohioan deserves access to clear billing, consumer protections, and the ability to participate in programs that help manage utility costs.”

The legislation has drawn support from the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, American Electric Power, Duke Energy, and the Ohio Environmental Council. It responds to concerns raised by the PUCO, former PUCO Commissioner Ashley Brown, and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Patrick DeWine, who recently described submetering as a “big business” that requires legislative attention.

If passed, the bill would:

• Require submetering entities to justify their rates before the PUCO;
• Ensure access to low-income assistance programs such as PIPP and HEAP;
• Mandate transparent and timely billing;
• Provide consumer dispute resolution protections; and
• End unregulated disconnection practices.
   

The legislation is currently under consideration by the Ohio House of Representatives Energy Committee.