News Stories

On July 22, 2026, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) issued an electric order and a adopting proposed amendments in the review of the proposed amendments to Ohio Adm.Code Chapter 4901:1-35 regarding Standard Service Offers (SOS) electric rules.

The final rules be effective on the earliest date permitted by law under the Joint Committee of Administrative Rules Review (JCARR).

The Commission adopted the proposed amended rules by Staff and rejected some proposed changes recommended by various parties as briefly summarized below.

Elimination of Switching Fees – “The Commission finds that RESA’s proposal should be rejected. RESA’s comments rely, in part, on our recent decision in FirstEnergy’s rate case” . . . “The issue of whether switching fees should be imposed, and if so, how much those fees should be, may better be addressed on a case-by-case basis for each utility rather than in a rulemaking proceeding. Thus, we find that other, more appropriate venues exist for review of switching fees, and accordingly, reject RESA’s proposal.”

Data Centers and Other Large Loads’ Impact on the SSO – “The Commission first recognizes that several parties’ expressed interest in studying and addressing the impact that large load and data center customers may have on the SSO. In several recent cases in other areas, the Commission has also taken notice of and committed to monitoring the impact data centers may have on the energy system in Ohio.” . . . “However, we agree with OMAEG that this proceeding would not be an appropriate venue to begin such an initiative. Similarly, we find that to adopt OCC’s proposed amendments to the rules without more opportunity for other stakeholder input would be inappropriate. Therefore, we also reject OCC’s specific proposals regarding large load customers.”

Removal of Requirement to Demonstrate Compliance with R.C. 4928.17 – “The Commission finds that the removal Ohio Adm.Code 4901:1-35-03(E) is still appropriate. However, upon consideration of RESA’s comments, we find that Ohio Adm.Code 4901:1-35-03(B)(3) should be amended so as to require the SSO application to include an attestation that the utility’s corporate separation plan is still in compliance with all relevant statutes and rules and an explanation as to why any granted waivers that are to be continued are still necessary.”

45-Day Update Approval Process – “The Commission finds that AEP Ohio’s proposal should not be adopted. To the extent a CBP would require procedural updates or modifications, applicants are already able to coordinate with Staff and other stakeholders to make such adjustments as needed. Further, a utility may seek expedited review from the Commission on a case-by-case basis as appropriate.”