Supreme Court won’t hear appeal in Ohio utility bribery case
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear appeals from Larry Householder and Matt Borges, upholding convictions in Ohio’s HB 6 bribery scandal tied to FirstEnergy.
Energy
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Ohio’s electric bills are high — and so are utility CEO salaries
As Ohio electric bills climbed 22% in February — the sharpest increase of any state but one — the CEOs of the state's four electric utilities collectively took home $81 million in 2025, including a $37 million payday for AEP's top executive.
Ohio Supreme Court reverses PUCO decision, finds utility resellers are utilities under state law
The Ohio Supreme Court reversed a state regulators' decision, ruling that third-party submetering companies supplying electricity to apartment tenants must be treated as utilities — sending the case back to the Public Utilities Commission and intensifying a legislative battle over consumer protections.
Americans’ air conditioning costs expected to rise again this summer
The average American household will spend $778 to cool their home this summer — an 8.5% jump from last year — as rising electric prices and hotter temperatures squeeze families already behind on utility bills.
This Ohio county put a ban on wind and solar. Will voters reverse it?
Richland County residents vote May 5 on whether to overturn a commissioner-imposed ban on large-scale wind and solar projects — a decision that could set a precedent for clean energy fights across Ohio.
Fossil fuel promoters tied to campaign to keep Ohio county renewable ban
Richland County voters are deciding whether to reject a wind and solar ban. Organizations linked to pro-gas interests have given money to keep it in place.
What to expect as Ohio utility corruption trial heads for a do-over
A mistrial in the HB 6 utility corruption case sends former FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Mik Dowling back to court Sept. 28 — with legal experts pointing to jury confusion over regulatory complexity as a key factor in the deadlocked verdict.
Ohio electric bills are up. So are electric company CEO salaries.
News and insights from the State Signals newsletter. Plus, the property tax abolition campaign is set to show its hand while opposition gets organized.
Utilities plan $1.4 trillion in grid investments, likely pushing bills higher in Ohio and elsewhere
Utilities across the country are planning massive grid investments over the next five years, with Ohio utilities like Duke Energy and AEP planning billions in spending that could drive rate increases for consumers.
Ohio Supreme Court guts ‘submetering’ business said to drive up renters’ electric bills
The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel said the ruling will force submeterers to play by the rules as they charge tens of thousands of Ohioans for electricity each month.
Ohio Senators weigh power programs that could move quickly, save money
Ohio senators heard testimony Tuesday on two bills aimed at easing the state's power supply crunch — a community power pilot program that has already passed the House, and a virtual net metering bill allowing businesses to buy power from off-site generators.
Higher gas prices could extend into next year, says Trump administration energy agency
The Energy Information Administration projects gas prices will remain above pre-war levels through 2027, contradicting Trump's promise of a rapid decline once the Iran conflict ends.
Ohio Senators get update on utility overhaul, forecast of future power demands
Ohio regulators and PJM highlight rising power demand, stalled solar projects, and growing debate over who pays for new energy infrastructure.
As gas spikes to an average $4 a gallon, Hegseth says Iran ground war still an option
The White House is calling $4-a-gallon gas a "short-term disruption" as the U.S.-Iran war enters its fifth week, with Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz driving global oil prices above $119 a barrel and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth refusing to rule out ground troops.
More than 8,500 acres of Ohio’s public land approved for fracking
Ohio's Oil and Gas Land Management Commission approved fracking leases on more than 8,500 acres across Egypt Valley Wildlife Area and Salt Fork State Park during a meeting that lasted less than 20 minutes, drawing protests and condemnation from conservation advocates.
Ohio Democrats propose utility rate freeze, consumer dividend
Ohio House Democrats want to freeze utility rates for 12 months and give every customer a $150 annual electric bill credit, funded by raising the state's oil and gas severance tax to 7%.
Ohio blocks big solar farm, despite apparently fake public comments
Ohio regulators denied a permit for the Crossroads Solar project in Morrow County, citing local opposition — even though many comments against it were found to be duplicated or faked. Critics say the process gives fossil fuels preferential treatment.
Trump is forcing coal plants to stay open. It could cost customers billions.
The Trump administration is using emergency powers to block coal plant retirements across multiple states — a move consumer advocates say is unprecedented, likely illegal, and could cost ratepayers up to $6 billion annually.
Documents contradict Husted testimony in FirstEnergy bribery trial
Sen. Jon Husted testified under oath that he had no knowledge of Sam Randazzo's financial ties to FirstEnergy — but a nearly 200-page document sent directly to Husted before Randazzo's appointment warned otherwise.
Ohio corruption trial traces tactics to prop up nuclear and coal plants
Trial of 2 former FirstEnergy executives in Akron centers on bribery, money laundering, and the corrupt passage of HB 6 — a law Ohio customers have paid more than $400 million to fund.