Ohio Gov. DeWine Backs Repeal of Controversial Coal Plant Subsidies

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has voiced support for repealing a contentious provision of House Bill 6, which forces ratepayers to subsidize two unprofitable coal plants, including one located out-of-state. This move comes as the state continues to grapple with the fallout from the largest bribery scheme in Ohio history, tied to the legislation.

Every month, Ohio residents like John Makley face rising energy bills, exacerbated by hidden costs tied to the Ohio Valley Electric Coalition (OVEC) coal plants. “With interest rates going up and everything getting more expensive, it’s hard to save anything these days,” Makley said. The subsidies, which cost ratepayers approximately $200 million in 2024 alone, have drawn widespread criticism for benefiting private companies like American Electric Power (AEP), Duke Energy, and AES Ohio.

The subsidies stem from House Bill 6, a law passed in 2019 following a $61 million bribery scheme involving former House Speaker Larry Householder. Householder was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2023, while other key figures, including former FirstEnergy executives, face state bribery charges. Despite parts of the bill being overturned, the OVEC provision remains intact, costing residential customers between $1.30 and $1.50 monthly.

“We don’t want to pay for this,” Makley said, echoing the frustration of many Ohioans. A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including State Rep. Ron Ferguson, has been pushing to repeal the subsidies. “A subsidy of any kind is not what Ohioans pay taxes for, and certainly not for something located in another state,” Ferguson said.

Gov. DeWine, while not directly involved in the provision’s inclusion, has expressed openness to its repeal. “I’m fine if that is certainly taken out,” he told reporters. However, skepticism remains among residents and lawmakers alike about whether meaningful change will occur. “It seems like they’re dragging their feet on certain aspects of it,” Makley said. “I’m wondering — how far down this line of corruption really goes?”