PUCO provides guidance in light of declared state of emergency

On March 16, 2020, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) enacted measures to deter the spread of the coronavirus. In light of the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency, the PUCO determined that the approval process for pending applications and any other filings will be delayed during the state of emergency and also for14 days thereafter.

The Commission ruled that the 60-day automatic approval process for applications for certification as an eligible Ohio renewable energy resource, as well as the 90-day period to approve or deny a suspended application, will be extended. Staff will continue to investigate pending applications and the Commission will act on such applications on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, it will toll the application process for following:

• The 30-day automatic approval process for applications and renewal applications for certification to provide competitive retail electric service and competitive retail natural gas service;
• The 90-day period for the PUCO to take action to approve or deny a suspended application;
• The 30-day automatic approval process for certification applications to operate as a telephone company in this state; and
• The 60-day automatic approval process for applications for mercantile customers to commit their peak demand reduction, demand response and energy efficiency programs for integration with an electric utility’s programs.

The PUCO also indicated that certification to provide competitive retail electric service or competitive retail natural gas service shall be automatically extended upon filing of a renewal application until or unless otherwise directed by the Commission.