Ohio Bill Could Give Energy Companies Control Over Thermostats

Ohio energy companies could take control of customers’ thermostats and water heaters.

House Bill 427, recently introduced in the Ohio General Assembly, proposes creating a voluntary demand response program to give utility companies the ability to temporarily adjust energy usage when demand is high.

Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, R-Haviland, said the bill is critical to the state’s overall energy plan.

“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. These programs will ease the