Governor DeWine Vetoes Ohio Submetering Legislation

Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a measure Wednesday that would have set the terms for utility submetering companies in Ohio. Those companies purchase electricity in bulk at a lower rate and then sell it to a multi-unit complex like apartments or condos at a higher residential rate.

Ohio House Bill 173's supporters contend it is good deal for consumers. The measure included protections against utility shutoffs and access to the federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program. Late additions to the bill even required submetering companies to charge slightly less than the typical residential rate.

But detractors pointed to submetering companies' reputation for unexplained fees and shoddy customer service. Residents at a submetered complex cannot use Ohio’s Percent of Income Payment Plan, and they cannot shop for a different power provider like any other Ohio ratepayer. In his veto message, DeWine nodded to the sponsors' efforts to protect consumers.

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