Ohio lawmaker wants to allow utilities to adjust homeowners’ thermostats, water heaters (voluntary - for now)

Ohio lawmakers are weighing a new energy program that would let utilities temporarily adjust household thermostats and water heaters — but only for customers who sign up. House Bill 427, introduced this week in the General Assembly, would create an opt-in “demand response” program aimed at cutting strain on the state’s power grid during peak usage, such as summer heat waves or winter freezes. Rep. Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland), the bill’s sponsor, said the plan extends a proven tool already used by the industry. “Demand response programs have proven to be a vital tool for our large commercial users, and it’s...