Rep. Fischer Unveils Bipartisan Bill to End Unfair Submetering Practices in Oh

COLUMBUS— Representative Tex Fischer (R-Boardman) held a press conference Tuesday to announce new, bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting Ohio consumers from unfair energy billing practices by submetering companies. 

The bill, joint-sponsored by Representative Sean Brennan (D-Parma), would classify entities that purchase and resell energy as public utilities, requiring them to follow the same regulatory standards as traditional providers.

“At my core, I am a free market conservative,” said Fischer. “But I don’t believe in businesses selling the same product under a different set of rules. That’s exactly what’s happening with submetering—and it’s a problem.”

Submetering companies currently buy electricity at wholesale rates and resell it to residents in apartment complexes and rental properties, but without the oversight that public utilities face. As a result, many Ohioans are locked out of the competitive energy market, often paying higher costs without the ability to choose their provider.

The proposed legislation aims to close this loophole and level the playing field by ensuring all companies selling energy directly to consumers are subject to equal regulation. This change would restore choice and fairness to thousands of residents and strengthen Ohio’s competitive energy market—an initiative that has saved consumers nearly $37 billion since 2011.

“This isn’t about more regulation—it’s about fair regulation,” Fischer added. “If you're selling energy to Ohioans, you should play by the same rules. We’re standing up for consumer choice, transparency, and a competitive market that works for everyone.”