June 25, 2026
The OEC AF Celebrates DeWine’s Veto of HB 173
For Immediate Release:
June 25, 2026
Contact:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
media@theoec.org 614-487-7506
The OEC AF Celebrates DeWine’s Veto of HB 173
Columbus, Ohio — The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund celebrates Governor DeWine’s veto of House Bill 173, a critical decision that protects Ohioans’ rights, strengthens consumer protections, and preserves the freedom for individuals to choose renewable energy sources.
The Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund has actively engaged at every stage to defend Ohioans’ rights to utility protections and choice. The lack of regulation for sub-metering has disproportionately impacted vulnerable Ohioans for decades. At the state level, OEC Action Fund worked closely with Representatives Tex Fischer (R) and Sean Patrick Brennan (D) to secure legislative protections for consumers. We worked with Councilmember Chris Wyche of the City of Columbus to address increases in submetering costs for the community.
Submetering was ultimately deemed unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court, and with Governor DeWine’s Veto, the PUCO will be able to regulate submetering companies as utilities.
We are pleased with this outcome and commend Governor DeWine for his leadership in issuing this veto. We extend our deep appreciation to Representatives Fischer and Brennan for their steadfast commitment throughout this process.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Spencer Dirrig, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund:
“The OEC Action Fund fights to ensure all Ohioans have access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy. For decades, submetering companies sold electricity to Ohio tenants while ducking the consumer protections every other utility must follow, leaving families with inflated bills and no access to PIPP, HEAP, or disconnection safeguards. The Ohio Supreme Court ended that practice in April, and House Bill 173 would have brought it right back. Governor DeWine’s veto keeps that decision intact and keeps these companies under PUCO oversight, where they belong. This is a win for Ohio consumers, and we thank Governor DeWine for his leadership.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) Action Fund protects the environment and health of all Ohio communities by electing climate champions, holding public officials accountable, and advancing environmental justice policies.
