The bill amends various sections of the Ohio Revised Code to enhance regulations surrounding public utilities, particularly focusing on utility tangible personal property taxation and energy conservation measures. It introduces provisions for designating priority investment areas for brownfields and former coal mines, allowing local authorities to request tax exemptions for qualifying properties for five years. The bill also expands definitions related to small renewable energy facilities and grants local authorities the power to regulate these facilities. Additionally, it modifies existing regulations for energy conservation in educational institutions, allowing boards of education to enter into installment payment contracts for energy-saving installations without competitive bidding, provided that payments do not exceed the calculated savings.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for the accelerated review of applications for construction certificates for major utility facilities, requiring decisions within specified timeframes and mandating public notice and environmental impact assessments. It introduces new provisions for electric distribution utilities, including the requirement to file rate case applications every three years and the establishment of a school energy performance contracting loan fund to finance energy efficiency projects. The bill also clarifies definitions related to electric services and renewable energy resources, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while promoting investment in energy projects. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the regulatory framework for public utilities, enhance consumer protections, and incentivize the development of renewable energy in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Pending in Senate Committee: 4905.03, 4906.01, 4906.03, 4906.04, 4906.07, 4906.10, 4909.04, 4909.05, 4909.052, 4909.06, 4909.07, 4909.08, 4909.15, 4909.156, 4909.17, 4909.173, 4909.174, 4909.18, 4909.191, 4909.42, 4911.15, 4928.01, 4928.05, 4928.08, 4928.14, 4928.141, 4928.142, 4928.144, 4928.17, 4928.20, 4928.23, 4928.231, 4928.232, 4928.34, 4928.542, 4928.64, 4928.645, 4929.20, 5727.01, 5727.031, 5727.06, 5727.11, 3706.40, 3706.41, 3706.43, 3706.431, 3706.45, 3706.46, 3706.49, 3706.491, 3706.55, 3706.551, 3706.59, 3706.63, 3706.65, 4928.143, 4928.148, 4928.642
As Reported By Senate Committee: 303.213, 519.213, 713.081, 3313.372, 3313.373, 4905.03, 4906.01, 4906.03, 4906.06, 4906.07, 4906.10, 4909.04, 4909.05, 4909.052, 4909.06, 4909.07, 4909.08, 4909.15, 4909.156, 4909.173, 4909.174, 4909.18, 4909.19, 4909.191, 4909.42, 4928.01, 4928.05, 4928.08, 4928.14, 4928.141, 4928.142, 4928.144, 4928.17, 4928.20, 4928.23, 4928.231, 4928.232, 4928.34, 4928.542, 4928.64, 4928.645, 4929.20, 4933.81, 5711.01, 5727.01, 5727.031, 5727.06, 5727.11, 5727.111, 5727.75, 3706.40, 3706.41, 3706.43, 3706.431, 3706.45, 3706.46, 3706.49, 3706.491, 3706.55, 3706.551, 3706.59, 3706.63, 3706.65, 4928.143, 4928.148, 4928.642
As Passed By Senate: 303.213, 519.213, 713.081, 3313.372, 3313.373, 4905.03, 4906.01, 4906.03, 4906.06, 4906.07, 4906.10, 4909.04, 4909.05, 4909.052, 4909.06, 4909.07, 4909.08, 4909.15, 4909.156, 4909.173, 4909.174, 4909.18, 4909.19, 4909.191, 4909.42, 4928.01, 4928.05, 4928.08, 4928.14, 4928.141, 4928.142, 4928.144, 4928.17, 4928.20, 4928.23, 4928.231, 4928.232, 4928.34, 4928.542, 4928.64, 4928.645, 4929.20, 4933.81, 5711.01, 5727.01, 5727.031, 5727.06, 5727.11, 5727.111, 5727.75, 3706.40, 3706.41, 3706.43, 3706.431, 3706.45, 3706.46, 3706.49, 3706.491, 3706.55, 3706.551, 3706.59, 3706.63, 3706.65, 4928.143, 4928.148, 4928.642