Ohio Supreme Court Overturns Cap on Utility Energy Efficiency Investments

COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Supreme Court yesterday overturned a cap on utility investments in energy efficiency programs that was previously approved by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio. The court’s decision could allow a significant expansion of utility energy efficiency programs if HB6, the state’s energy law that aims to rapidly wind down energy efficiency programs, is overturned. Advocates of stronger clean energy standards point to almost 82,000 energy efficiency jobs and significant customer savings – nearly three dollars for every dollar invested – as reasons to remove the cap in energy efficiency programs. According to utility filings, Ohio electricity customers have saved over $5 billion in utility bills as a result of the programs. 

The following is a statement from Daniel Sawmiller, Ohio energy policy director for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): 

“This decision could move Ohio’s energy economy forward. It removes hurdles to programs that save money and create jobs. As we’ve said all along, it’s wrong to limit utility investments in energy efficiency programs that are essential for lowering carbon pollution and have created a thriving sector of Ohio’s economy.”    

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The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; San Francisco; Chicago; Bozeman, Montana; and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.