Ohio regulators reject utility-backed changes to rooftop solar credits

By Farah Siddiqi

Ohio regulators have rejected proposed changes to the state’s net-metering rules, preserving how rooftop solar customers are credited for excess energy sent back to the grid as part of a required five-year review by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

During the process, the state’s largest utility sought to scale back the policy. AEP Ohio filed objections just days before the public comment period closed.

Mryia Williams, Ohio program director for the group Solar United Neighbors, said the timing surprised advocates.

"Nobody did anything until November 26th, which was two days before the case would close," Williams pointed out. "And that's whenever AEP came in and made comments stating that they wanted all kinds of changes."

Commission records show roughly 275 public comments were submitted, all urging regulators to make no changes. Local governments, including Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Gahanna and Lima, also filed statements of opposition. Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith wrote the current net-metering system is “straightforward, fair, and important for affordability."

Williams noted the commission's decision highlighted the role public input can play in utility oversight, something many Ohioans may not realize they can participate in.

"A lot of people don't realize that they have the ability to submit comments and share their opinions about how things are going as well," Williams emphasized. "Be it a rate case for something like solar on your rooftop or how much the power company is increasing your bills."

The commission’s order keeps Ohio’s net-metering framework intact through its next review cycle, even as electricity demand grows statewide. Utilities, including AEP Ohio, may still raise cost concerns in future rate cases but regulators said no changes are warranted now.