The bill, introduced by Representative Tims, seeks to enact a new section, 4909.183, in the Revised Code that establishes a twelve-month moratorium on public utility rate increases approved by the public utilities commission. This moratorium will prevent any applications, rates, or riders that would lead to increased rates or collections from being approved during this period. The bill specifies that this restriction applies only to requests that have not received final approval before the effective date of the new section, while existing approved rates and riders will remain in effect. Additionally, the moratorium does not apply to rates or riders mandated by federal law.

The bill is declared an emergency measure, emphasizing the urgent need to protect Ohio consumers from further financial strain due to rising utility costs. It aims to provide both immediate and long-term relief to ratepayers amid an ongoing affordability crisis in the state. As such, the act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage.