Electricity rule would cost Ohioans

As Ohioans look forward to the holidays, surely the last thing they want to learn is that Washington is weighing a proposal that could hike their electricity bills. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is considering a new policy that would increase electric bills by up to 10 percent for the average household.

We at the Electricity Consumers Resource Council (ELCON), the national association representing large industrial users of electricity, have been monitoring this proposed change, concerned about its effects in Ohio and nationally. This a disastrous policy for Ohioans, and it is being rushed through so that price increases could start hitting families, businesses and manufacturers as soon as this spring.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy told FERC to develop a rule that, on its surface, is meant to improve electric-grid reliability. In reality, it would do no such thing, instead benefiting a few energy companies that are struggling financially. These companies should not be allowed to manipulate regulations to get a handout at the expense of hundreds of other job creators across Ohio.

Raising the cost of electricity for no tangible benefit is indefensible. Not only would residential consumers be hurt, but industrial consumers would be as well. As we wrote in comments to FERC in October, this proposal would “result in substantial loss of U.S. manufacturing capacity of jobs.” ELCON members are growing and hiring more Ohioans, but this rule would pull the rug out from under them.

Historically low electricity prices have allowed ELCON member companies to stay globally competitive. DOE’s proposal would disrupt this for nothing in return, undermining the American manufacturing resurgence. We encourage Sens. Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown, as well as Reps. Joyce Beatty, Pat Tiberi and Steve Stivers to oppose this anti-consumer and anti-manufacturer proposal.

John Hughes President, CEO ELCON