House Bill 15

Legislative Win: Turning Our Energy Study into Action

Ohio has taken a major step forward in securing its energy future. With the signing of House Bill 15 by Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Business Roundtable (OBRT) is proud to celebrate a significant legislative victory that puts research into action and strengthens the foundation for Ohio’s economic competitiveness.

HB 15 reflects a direct outcome of OBRT’s Energy Competitiveness Study, and we’re proud to share that five of the study’s six key recommendations are now state law. This outcome underscores the power of data-driven advocacy and strong collaboration between Ohio’s business leaders and state policymakers.

The bill received strong bipartisan support and was shaped in part by recommendations developed by OBRT’s Energy Working Group. The result is a set of smart, targeted policy changes aimed at modernizing Ohio’s energy landscape and reinforcing its appeal as a destination for investment, innovation, and growth.

Key Provisions of HB 15:

• “Shot Clocks” for Siting, Permitting, and PUCO Cases: Creates predictable, timely review timelines for infrastructure permitting and utility rate cases—reducing delays and uncertainty for developers and businesses alike.

• Priority Investment Areas: Designates key zones where infrastructure deployment can be accelerated to meet demand and catalyze economic development.

• Enhanced Behind-the-Meter Laws: Supports business-led power generation and increases flexibility for Ohio companies to invest in their own energy solutions.

• Encouragement of Grid-Enhancing Technologies: Promotes the use of advanced technologies to optimize Ohio’s existing transmission infrastructure—boosting capacity without costly new buildouts.

  
  

“These reforms represent a significant milestone in our mission to make Ohio’s energy system more reliable, affordable, and investment-ready,” said OBRT President and CEO Pat Tiberi. “We are proud that the legislature embraced our research-backed recommendations and grateful to the leaders who made this progress possible.”

While five recommendations have been successfully adopted through HB 15, OBRT remains committed to advancing the final recommendation and continuing our work to ensure Ohio is prepared to meet both current and future energy demands.

This win demonstrates that OBRT is not just identifying challenges—we’re delivering solutions. Together with our members, partners, and policymakers, we are building a stronger, smarter, and more competitive Ohio.

Stay tuned as we continue our work to strengthen Ohio’s energy grid.