Ohio Senators Weigh Power Programs for Faster, Cheaper Energy

Pilot program and virtual net metering aim to spur private investment in new generation capacity.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of warm orange, yellow, and red colors, conceptually representing the dynamic energy of new power generation projects.Ohio's proposed power programs aim to accelerate private investment in new energy generation to ease supply constraints.Columbus Today

Ohio lawmakers are considering two new power programs that could help the state address energy supply challenges. The first is a community power pilot program that would allow residential customers to benefit from small, privately-financed power plants. The second is a virtual net metering program for commercial and industrial customers like hospitals, manufacturers, and schools to access off-site power generation. Both approaches are designed to bring new generation capacity online quickly and at lower costs for participating customers.

Why it matters

As Ohio grapples with a power supply crunch driven by the growth of data centers, these programs are seen as a way to ease pressure on the grid by incentivizing private investment in new generation. Supporters argue the programs will lead to lower bills for participants and broader benefits for the energy market.

The details

The community power pilot program would direct state regulators to approve 1,500 megawatts of community energy projects across Ohio, with provisions to encourage development on brownfields and ensure facilities are spread throughout the state. After four years, regulators would report back to lawmakers on the program's impact. The virtual net metering program would allow certain commercial and industrial customers to strike deals with off-site power plants and apply that generation to their energy bills.

  • The community power pilot program has already passed the Ohio House.
  • Ohio Senate Bill 298, which would establish the virtual net metering program, is currently under consideration.

The players

Ohio House Bill 303

The bill that would establish the community power pilot program.

Ohio Senate Bill 298

The bill that would create the virtual net metering program.

Sharon Ray

Ohio state Representative and co-sponsor of the community power pilot program.

Brian Chavez

Ohio state Senator and chair of the committee considering the power programs.

Kurt Princic

Representative from CEP Renewables, a company that specializes in redeveloping distressed sites for renewable energy projects.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Community energy is the fastest way to bring additional power online through private investment, not additional riders passed on to the customer.”

— Sharon Ray, Ohio state Representative

“What remains are particularly challenging sites, Senate Bill 298 offers a new option for these sites, which can bring billions of dollars of private investment into the state.”

— Kurt Princic, Representative, CEP Renewables

“Each project invested in, while good for the generation owner and the subscribing customer, would create room on the transmission grid for even more economic development in the state.”

— John Seryak, Testifying on behalf of the Ohio Manufacturers Association

“This is medium tier energy development. Most of our discussion usually talks about base load, which is important, (but) takes a long time. It's very expensive. In contrast, medium tier development, is quick to market, and it's cost efficient. So there's a lot of benefits that we can position the state of Ohio and our consumers to take advantage of in this proposal.”

— Tom Bullock, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board

What’s next

After the committee hearing, the Ohio Senate will decide whether to move forward with Ohio Senate Bill 298, the virtual net metering program. The community power pilot program in Ohio House Bill 303 has already passed the House and will next be considered by the full Senate.

The takeaway

These power programs represent an innovative approach by Ohio lawmakers to spur private investment in new generation capacity and provide customers with faster, cheaper energy options. If successful, the programs could serve as a model for other states grappling with energy supply challenges.