YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) -- The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has taken a major step to keep Youngstown's steam-generating plant operating and keep heat flowing this winter to 27 downtown buildings.

Judge Anthony Donofrio has agreed with the PUCO to appoint Reg Martin as receiver of the plant on North Avenue downtown that, until recently, was operated by SOBE Thermal Energy Systems.

Martin previously was the receiver when the plan was operated by Youngstown Thermal. An Illinois company provides the equipment necessary to create the steam, and Donofrio had ruled the company could remove the equipment after SOBE failed to pay.

If the equipment is removed, 27 buildings downtown would be without heat.

"The receiver is authorized to enter, take possession of, manage, operate, protect,

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