The proposed bill, H.B. No. 2025-2026, aims to establish new regulations for electric distribution utilities in Ohio regarding customer reimbursements and bill credits following power outages. It introduces several new sections to the Revised Code, specifically sections 4928.106 through 4928.1012. Key provisions include definitions for terms such as "catastrophic conditions," "gray sky conditions," and "sustained interruption," which help clarify the circumstances under which utilities must provide bill credits. For instance, utilities are required to issue bill credits if service is not restored within specified timeframes based on the severity of the outage, with different thresholds for catastrophic, gray sky, and normal conditions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that utilities provide reimbursement forms for customers who experience spoilage of food or medicine due to outages, with reimbursement amounts based on the prevailing customer accommodation rate. Importantly, the bill prohibits utilities from recovering costs associated with these credits and reimbursements from customers. Utilities may petition the public utilities commission for waivers of these requirements under certain conditions, and the commission is tasked with adopting rules to implement the new regulations. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance consumer protections and ensure accountability for electric distribution utilities in Ohio.