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SB 297

Regards electric submetering companies and customers

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Hearcel Craig and 1 co-sponsor

Ohio bill SB 297 regulates electric submetering companies to establish consumer protections, billing transparency, and operational standards for properties served by master meters.

Referred to committee
#utilities
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Bill Summary · SB 297

Legislative bill overview

SB 297 establishes regulatory framework and consumer protections for electric submetering companies and their customers in Ohio. The bill addresses how electricity is measured, billed, and distributed in multi-tenant buildings and properties where a master meter serves multiple individual units.

Why is this important

Submetering affects millions of renters and commercial tenants who pay for electricity through landlords or property managers rather than directly to utilities. Without clear regulations, submetering companies can charge markups, lack transparency in billing, and operate with minimal oversight—potentially costing residents hundreds annually in inflated rates.

Potential points of contention

  • Markup caps vs. market freedom: Defining acceptable profit margins for submetering companies while balancing business viability against consumer protection
  • Meter accuracy standards: Establishing technical requirements and inspection protocols could increase compliance costs for smaller submetering operators
  • Data access and privacy: Determining what consumption data customers can access and how to prevent misuse while protecting company proprietary information
  • Applicability scope: Whether regulations apply retroactively to existing submetering arrangements or only prospectively to new installations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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