Ohio SB245 prohibits public utilities from recovering political expenditure costs from customers.

Ohio SB245 amends the Revised Code to prohibit public utilities from recovering political expenditure costs from customers. Political expenditures include contributions to political candidates, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations, as well as lobbying and public opinion influence expenses. Utilities must report these expenditures annually to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. If a utility violates this prohibition, the commission can impose fines and require refunds to customers, with interest.

Ohio SB245 prohibits public utilities from recovering political expenditure costs from customers.

Ohio SB245 amends the Revised Code to prohibit public utilities from recovering political expenditure costs from customers. Political expenditures include contributions to political candidates, trade associations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations, as well as lobbying and public opinion influence expenses. Utilities must report these expenditures annually to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. If a utility violates this prohibition, the commission can impose fines and require refunds to customers, with interest.