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 grid reliability and can help lower 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 these demand response programs, requiring electric distribution utilities to create and evaluate such programs for cost-effectiveness. The section specifies that utilities can take actions to reduce a customer's load during peak times, with the option for customers to override these actions. Additionally, participating customers will receive compensation, and utilities may bid the demand response reductions into the capacity market. The bill also includes provisions for performance incentives for utilities and mandates a review of the programs' success within three years of implementation. Existing section 4909.192 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4909.192