Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Denies Second in Series of Proposals to Subsidize Coal Power Plants

(COLUMBUS – April 2, 2015) Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) today hailed the decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) denying Duke Energy’s request to subsidize uneconomic coal plants through Ohioans’ electricity bills. This decision follows the PUCO’s recent denial of American Electric Power’s (AEP’s) similar request for guaranteed cost recovery for its aging coal plants. Duke Energy’s proposal, like AEP’s recent proposal and FirstEnergy’s pending proposal, sought to bailout aging technology at the expense of Ohio residents and businesses.   

“Today’s decision marks a resounding victory for Ohio. EDF hails the PUCO for recognizing the power of markets and protecting Ohioans from unfair expenses that would have only profited Duke Energy and its aging coal plants, which are too costly to operate. The PUCO’s second straight denial of a utility’s request to subsidize old coal plants sends a clear message that Ohioans deserve better, cheaper and cleaner energy resources.”

• John Finnigan, Lead Attorney, US Climate and Energy Program