Wednesday, May 19, 1999
Utility reform bill goes to House
Senate passes measure, 20-12
BY MICHAEL HAWTHORNE
Enquirer Columbus Bureau
COLUMBUS — Electric-utility companies are threatening to wage a TV ad war against state lawmakers after failing early today to get what they wanted out of a bill intended to bring competition to the $11 billion industry.
State senators and lobbyists for utilities and businesses met off and on for more than eight hours behind closed doors trying to broker a deal. They ended up with legislation that critics contend would reap huge savings for industrial customers at the expense of Ohio utilities.
The bill would guarantee a modest rate cut for residential customers. But lawmakers punted most of the thorny issues to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, including how customers will be able to shop for the best deal on their electricity bills.
“This is a good bill that will create jobs and provide cheaper electricity,” said sponsoring Sen. Bruce Johnson, R-Westerville.
At 12:41 a.m., senators voted 20-12 along party lines to send the measure to the House, where debate is likely to be even more raucous and divisive.
Senate President Richard Finan, R-Evendale, his top assistants and representatives from Gov. Bob Taft's office negotiated with business and utility lobbyists throughout the day.
At one point, the debate centered on a one-word change — to or from and — in the 259-page bill, which could have made it easier for utility companies to charge ratepayers for state-approved investments in nuclear power plants and other projects.
Utility lobbyists clamored for that change and others in return for their support of the electricity deregulation measure. Without it, they are threatening to sue the state. They also have made television commercials intended to pressure lawmakers to give them what they want.
“We are profoundly disappointed they are not addressing our concerns,” said Matt Evans of Cincinnati-based Cinergy Inc.
Many rank-and-file lawmakers had trouble keeping up with potential changes discussed behind closed doors. Even Mr. Taft acknowledged he couldn't describe the changes being sought by utilities.
“I don't have the time to even start to talk about that,” Mr. Taft said. “Nor am I necessarily the most capable person to do that, in all candor.”
Republicans took a break early in the evening to attend a fund-raiser for Sens. Scott Nein of Middletown and Doug White of Manchester.
When lawmakers returned, it was clear that nobody was enthusiastic about the bill. Mr. Finan angrily aborted two roll calls on the measure when lawmakers took too long to offer amendments.
“There's no guarantee of savings for our people,” said Sam Randazzo, spokesman for a coalition of large industrial and commercial power users.
Said Christine Patronek-
Holder, spokeswoman for a coalition of consumer and environmental groups: “This is a bad deal for customers. Any customer could get the savings they're talking about by turning off a couple of light bulbs each month.”
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