The Ohio House has dramatically changed the comprehensive energy bill that would bail out the state’s nuclear power plants and repeal alternative energy mandates.
After the changes, neither wind nor solar power can qualify for the so-called “Clean Air Credits,” according to House Energy and Natural Resources committee chair Nino Vitale (R-Urbana).
This seemingly leaves nuclear power as the only beneficiary of the program.
The charge to residential ratepayers was cut from $2.50 to $1 a month, taking the pot of money for credits from $300 million to about $190 million.
On the renewable energy industry being cut out of the program, Vitale says, “They were not interested in having a fund that they could access for clean energy.”
The wind and solar industry have fought against the bill’s repeal of the renewable energy standards. Industry representatives said they still want time to look over the changes before they comment.
The bill also allows utilities to charge ratepayers a fee to cover subsidies for Ohio Valley Electric Corporation, commonly known as OVEC, and its two coal plants.
