The bill amends section 4909.192 and enacts section 4928.106 of the Revised Code to introduce voluntary demand response programs specifically for residential and small commercial customers. The amendment to section 4909.192 includes a new provision that allows for nondiscriminatory programs aimed at reducing demand during peak times, which is essential for enhancing grid reliability and potentially lowering customer rates. This provision mandates that any proposed demand reduction programs must include terms that allow competitive retail electric service providers to offer their customers access to these programs.

Section 4928.106 outlines the framework for the demand response programs, requiring electric distribution utilities to create and evaluate these programs for cost-effectiveness. The section specifies that utilities can take actions to reduce customer load during peak times, with customers having the option to override these actions. Additionally, participating customers will receive compensation, and utilities may bid the demand reductions into the capacity market. The bill also establishes a performance incentive for utilities based on the savings generated by these programs and mandates a review of their success within three years of implementation. Existing section 4909.192 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4909.192