Ohio Lawmakers Weigh Local Power Plants to Battle High Rates

Community energy pilot program aims to boost energy supply and lower costs for residents.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:33am

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An abstract illustration using geometric shapes and primary colors to represent the concept of a community-owned power grid, conveying the idea of a decentralized, renewable energy system.A community-driven approach to energy production aims to empower Ohio residents and drive investment in renewable power.Columbus Today

The Ohio House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed legislation to create a community energy pilot program, allowing cities and municipalities to build their own power plants on brownfields and other economically distressed sites. The proposal, sponsored by state Reps. Sharon Ray and Jim Hoops, is now being considered by the Senate Energy Committee, where lawmakers are questioning the program's economic viability and potential impact on residential neighborhoods.

Why it matters

Ohio's growing energy deficit and strain on the electrical grid have prompted lawmakers to explore alternative solutions, with the community energy program framed as a way to increase energy supply, promote renewable energy, and potentially save residents 10-20% on their energy costs through private investment.

The details

The community energy pilot program would allow local governments to build their own power plants, which supporters say could be fueled by renewable sources like solar, wind, and landfill gases. However, some lawmakers are concerned about the definition of 'economically distressed' sites and the potential for exploitation, as well as the overall economic feasibility of the program.

  • The Ohio House of Representatives passed the legislation last year.
  • The proposal is now being considered by the Senate Energy Committee.

The players

Sharon Ray

State Representative (R-Wadsworth) and co-sponsor of the community energy pilot program.

Jim Hoops

State Representative (R-Napoleon) and co-sponsor of the community energy pilot program.

Kent Smith

State Senator (D-Euclid) who supports the proposal as a way to stimulate the renewable energy sector.

Bill DeMora

State Senator (D-Columbus) who questions the definition of 'economically distressed' sites where such projects can be built.

Columbus City Council

Passed a resolution supporting the community energy pilot program proposal.

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What they’re saying

“'The latest version that we are discussing today we hope will serve as a catalyst for a more robust and competitive energy market which puts the individual subscriber first and embodies Ohio's all-of-the-above approach to increased energy supply.'”

— Sharon Ray, State Representative

“'People said to me, 'Well why would people do this?' Why do people recycle? It's for the greater good. And the potential of savings is great enough that private investment is knocking at the door, wanting to come in.'”

— Sharon Ray, State Representative

“'The new energy economy is clean energy. It's what's working, it's what's driving investment. Solar panels are not getting stuck in the Strait of Hormuz.'”

— Kent Smith, State Senator

“'Can you take three houses on a city block in my district here that might be run down and call those economically distressed areas and build a plant on them right in the middle of a residential neighborhood? That's not the intent of this bill for sure, but again, if it's written in the code and it can happen, someone will try to exploit that.'”

— Bill DeMora, State Senator

What’s next

The Senate Energy Committee will continue to review the community energy pilot program proposal and question its sponsors before deciding whether to advance the legislation.

The takeaway

Ohio's community energy pilot program aims to address the state's growing energy deficit and high electricity rates by empowering local governments to build their own power plants, potentially tapping into renewable sources and saving residents money. However, lawmakers are scrutinizing the program's economic viability and potential impact on residential areas, underscoring the need to balance energy solutions with community concerns.