This Electric Advocacy Summit discusses electricity rates and its possible impact on business and consumers.
In 1999, the Ohio General Assembly voted to deregulate the electric utility market. Taking effect in 2001, the plan called for a 5 year freeze on prices so that the market could develop. However, toward the end of that 5 year period, the Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) saw that the eventual switch to full market-based rates in 2006 would not be as beneficial to consumers and businesses as was originally hoped. In response, the PUCO worked with Ohio 's energy companies to stabilize rates until the end of 2008.
The end of rate stabilization is now fast approaching, and businesses & consumers are once again faced with potential increases in electricity rates. Even COSE's discounted rates could be affected. Coalitions and working groups are being formed to tackle this difficult issue and determine a way forward that will provide fair rates for businesses and consumers.
