June 17, 2026
OEC Action Fund Opposes the Passage of House Bill 173, Calls on Governor DeWine to Veto the Legislation
For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2026
Contact:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
media@theoec.org 614-487-7506
OEC Action Fund Opposes the Passage of House Bill 173, Calls on Governor DeWine to Veto the Legislation
Columbus, Ohio — Today, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund sent Governor DeWine a veto request letter urging him to veto House Bill 173, which awaits his action.
If enacted into law, House Bill 173 would strip protections that are currently in place to protect Ohioans from price gouging associated with reselling utility rates. This spring, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has the legal authority to oversee submetering and electric reseller companies. HB 173 would override that critical decision by creating a new state law that significantly diminishes PUCO’s authority to create safeguards for Ohioans who receive their electricity from “submetering” companies.
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled in In re Complaint of Ohio Power Co. v. Nationwide Energy Partners, L.L.C., finding that submetering companies who “resell” electricity are considered public utility services under Ohio law.
The following quote can be attributed to, in whole or in part, to Nolan Rutschilling, Managing Director for Energy Policy, for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund:
“At a time when electricity costs are skyrocketing, every Ohioan deserves a fair and affordable electric bill. If HB 173 is enacted, Ohio law will advantage utility reselling companies over hard-working Ohioans who are struggling to pay their utility bills. We urge the Governor to stand up for Ohioans and their ability to access affordable energy by vetoing HB 173.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) protects the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement.
