Proposed bill would give utility companies control of customer thermostats

LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - A lawmaker in Ohio has proposed legislation that would allow utility companies to throttle your energy usage during periods of high demand, essentially giving control of customer thermostats.

State Rep. Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) introduced House Bill 427, which he says will modernize Ohio’s energy regulations and help homeowners and small businesses save money while improving electric grid reliability.

“This legislation is a crucial step in our state’s comprehensive plan to ensure all Ohioans have access to reliable, affordable, and readily available energy,” Klopfenstein said.

“Demand response programs have proven to be a vital tool for our large commercial users, and it’s important that similar programs are made available to residential and small commercial users,” the lawmaker added. “These programs will ease the strain on our energy grid and save money for all Ohioans.”

Residents in Lakewood, a city plagued by constant power outages, gave mixed reactions to the proposed bill.

“I mean, if it’s voluntary, I don’t mind it,” resident Pedja Troca said.

The plan, however, is one step too far for another resident, Mary Sweeney.

“Nope, they can’t do any of that. Nope. That’s why you own your own property; that’s the foundation of the United States,” she said.

The bill encourages the establishment of voluntary demand response programs, where participating customers can allow utilities to temporarily adjust energy usage, such as raising thermostat settings or cycling water heaters, during periods of high demand.

Customers are said to have the ability to override such actions, and utilities would be permitted to compensate participants with either an annual payment or a per-event fee.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio would also be responsible for reviewing programs to ensure they are cost-effective for customers.

House Bill 427 awaits a committee assignment.