Ohio Utility Says Corporate Separation Rules Should Be Modified To Allow Utility To Offer "Innovative Products And Services"

Says Utilities A "Trusted" Party To Customers

Cites Behind The Meter Services, Community Solar, EV Charging As "Fertile Ground" For Utilities

July 15, 2019

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Reporting by Paul Ring • ring@energychoicematters.com

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In comments on a rulemaking regarding Ohio corporate separation rules, Dayton Power and Light ('DP&L') said that, "the rules should make clear that the electric distribution utilities ('EDUs') also have a place in providing a regulated option from which customers may choose innovative products and services."

"It is nearly universally accepted that customers’ expectations of energy and electric services are changing rapidly. Accordingly, regulations must be forward-thinking to allow for adaptation to and enhancement of customers’ electricity experience. Customers should be able to choose from a myriad of innovative products to be offered by the entity of their choosing. EDUs remain a trusted and important party in that process and should be expressly permitted to provide a regulated option for customers to choose if they so desire, especially when approached by the customer. For instance, behind the meter services, community solar, and electric vehicle changing infrastructure are just a few of the areas that provide fertile ground for EDUs to respond to customer demands, enhance the customer electricity experience, and encourage innovation to meet customers’ rapidly evolving needs," DP&L said

"EDUs can and should play an important role in helping unlock the competitive electric markets by offering regulated non-competitive options for customers. Moreover, EDUs should be afforded the opportunity to respond to customer requests for products and services," DP&L said

DP&L proposed that the rule be amended to state that, "Notwithstanding the above, to the extent an electric distribution utility makes a filing before the public utilities commission and receives approval to offer a regulated behind the meter service, or other similar customer service, it will be deemed a noncompetitive retail electric service under section 4928.01(B) of the Revised Code, eliminating the need to file a corporate separation plan."

Case No. 18-1190-EL-ORD

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