Ohio

Utilities

Ohio utility corruption defendants to SCOTUS: Bribes are free speech

If the court rules in favor of a former lawmaker and a lobbyist convicted in Ohio’s HB 6 scandal, it would have huge implications for the utility sector and beyond.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 8 January 2026
Solar

Ohio’s largest utility pushes to slash rooftop solar compensation

The state’s Public Utilities Commission will decide this year whether to keep its solar net-metering rules in place or to dilute them, per AEP Ohio’s request.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 6 January 2026
Offshore wind

FirstEnergy bribery scheme sank Lake Erie offshore wind, lawsuit says

The corruption that led to Ohio’s infamous HB 6 also torpedoed what would have been the Great Lakes’ first wind farm, the suit alleges. FirstEnergy is pushing back.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 11 December 2025
Utilities

After Ohio’s landmark decisions on HB 6 utility scandal, what’s next?

Regulators just fined FirstEnergy $250M over its bribery scheme. While historically high, the amount falls short of what consumer advocates had pushed for.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 3 December 2025
Utilities

FirstEnergy seeks looser reliability rules as outages grow more common

The firm wants regulators to let its three Ohio utilities take longer to restore power. Advocates say it’s unfair, as customers already pay to strengthen the grid.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 2 December 2025
Clean energy

This Ohio county banned wind and solar. Now, residents are pushing back.

Richland County forbade large-scale renewable energy in most townships. Next May, voters will have a chance to reject the rules in a first-of-its-kind referendum.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 November 2025
Hydrogen

In Ohio, hydrogen industry presses on despite federal uncertainty

Trump has pulled billions in funding for hydrogen, a sector that was already on shaky ground. Projects in Ohio are chugging along anyway.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 6 November 2025
Policy & regulation

Ohio scrapped a key tool to fight air pollution. Advocates want it back.

The air nuisance rule has helped advocates rein in pollution from coal-burning plants and other facilities. Without it, air quality could worsen.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 5 November 2025
Solar

Why one Ohio couple is suing their city over rooftop solar fees

The city's utility says the charge is only fair to customers without solar, but the couple argues it’s an illegal penalty. The dispute echoes a nationwide debate.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 23 October 2025
Land use

Ohio to fast-track energy at former coal mines and brownfields

It’s part of a new law meant to boost power production amid rising demand — and it could help renewables grow faster while putting industrial land to use.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 15 October 2025