After years of widespread public engagement, the Ohio legislature has finally passed HB15, which includes the long-overdue repeal of the OVEC coal plant bailout. For years, Ohioans subsidized two aging, unprofitable coal plants—Kyger Creek in Ohio and Clifty Creek in Indiana—paying nearly $500,000 a day, totaling over $467 million.
The bailout originated years ago through the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and was later expanded under 2019’s House Bill 6, whose initial intentions were to modernize Ohio’s energy policy. The events surrounding HB6 inspired the Max documentary, “The Dark Money Game: Ohio Confidential.” Lawyers now at Troposphere Legal helped represent Sierra Club in the Ohio bailout cases that led to HB 6.
Neil Waggoner, Midwest Beyond Coal Campaign Manager issued a statement on behalf of the Sierra Club, commending the passing of HB15, “The fact this repeal passed through the legislature with almost unanimous bipartisan support is a testament to how fed up Ohioans were with utility efforts to keep this expensive, no benefit, indefensible bailout in place. Ohio legislators–both Republicans and Democrats–should be commended here for finally taking action and putting an end to this bailout once and for all.”
In addition to the repeal of the OVEC bailout, HB15 requires utility companies to routinely undergo rate cases and justify how they plan to spend ratepayer-collected money. Ratepayers will also be entitled to receive funds for improper charges.
House Bill 15 unanimously passed in the Ohio Senate and was then approved in the Ohio House by 94-2. Governor DeWine signed this bill on May 15, 2025 with the effective date of August 14, 2025.
Read more about Sierra Club’s official statement here: Sierra Club Celebrates Ohio Legislature Approving Bill to Repeal Expensive Bailout of the OVEC Coal Plants | Sierra Club
Find out more about HB15 here: Lawmakers pass energy bill ending Ohio ratepayer charges that subsidize two unprofitable coal plants | AP News
https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb15/status