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Youngstown Today
By the People, for the People
Receiver Agrees to Resign from Troubled Youngstown Heating Company
PUCO requests replacement receiver to manage SOBE Thermal Energy LLC's affairs
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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The receiver managing the affairs of troubled district heating company SOBE Thermal Energy LLC in Youngstown, Ohio has agreed to resign, and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has filed a motion requesting the court appoint a new local receiver to replace him.
Why it matters
SOBE has faced ongoing issues providing reliable steam heat to its approximately 28 downtown customers, including City Hall, leading to business shutdowns and public health concerns. The receiver change is aimed at improving management and oversight of the troubled company.
The details
Reg Martin, the current receiver from Columbus, has agreed to resign, and PUCO is requesting the court appoint Youngstown native and attorney John C. Collins as the new receiver. PUCO cited the need for a receiver who can be present on site more frequently to manage SOBE's affairs, which have included equipment failures, missed lease payments, and the company's risk of insolvency.
- On September 26, 2025, Reg Martin was appointed as receiver for SOBE.
- On February 12, 2026, PUCO filed a motion requesting Martin's resignation and Collins' appointment as the new receiver.
The players
Reg Martin
The current receiver for SOBE Thermal Energy LLC, based in Columbus, who has agreed to resign.
John C. Collins
A Youngstown native and attorney now based in Akron, who PUCO has requested be appointed as the new receiver for SOBE.
SOBE Thermal Energy LLC
The troubled district heating company in Youngstown, Ohio that provides steam heat to approximately 28 downtown customers.
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)
The state agency that filed the motion requesting Reg Martin's resignation and the appointment of a new local receiver to manage SOBE's affairs.
City of Youngstown
The city filed a motion to intervene in the SOBE receivership case, citing the lack of heat to City Hall and other downtown buildings as a public health concern.
What’s next
The court is expected to approve PUCO's motion to remove Reg Martin as receiver and appoint John C. Collins as the new receiver for SOBE Thermal Energy LLC.
The takeaway
The change in receivership for the troubled SOBE district heating company in Youngstown aims to improve management and oversight, address ongoing service issues, and prevent further public health concerns for downtown businesses and residents.
