The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel is urging Ohio electric utilities to use federal funding and better grid planning to modernize the state’s power system without raising costs for residential customers.
The agency’s comments follow an April 1 decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approving a concept paper under the federal SPARK program in Case No. 22-755-AU-COI. The program, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to improve grid reliability and lower costs.
The consumers’ counsel said utilities should use available federal funds and advanced technology before building new transmission lines. As electricity demand grows — partly due to data centers — the agency said utilities should focus on lower-cost upgrades to existing infrastructure, such as reconductoring, instead of new construction.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Maureen Willis said rising demand should not automatically lead to expensive projects paid for by ratepayers. She said federal programs like SPARK, along with better demand forecasting, can help modernize the grid while keeping costs down.
The agency said accurate demand forecasting is key to avoiding unnecessary construction and higher electric rates. Better forecasts can help ensure utilities only invest where demand exists, reducing the risk that customers pay for unused infrastructure.
The consumers’ counsel also called for transparency in how federal grid funds are spent. The agency said it has been involved in the commission’s investigation since 2022 and has urged regulators to require public filing of Grid Innovation Program applications.
The SPARK program, short for Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology upgrades, focuses on increasing capacity using existing infrastructure. The agency said these upgrades can be completed faster and at lower cost than traditional transmission projects.
The consumers’ counsel said it will continue to monitor the case to ensure utilities use cost-saving technologies, rely on accurate forecasts and avoid placing unnecessary financial risks on Ohio consumers.