AARP Strongly Opposes Nuclear Bailout Bill

Unfair legislation forces all Ohio utility customers to pay $300 million increase for
failing business

AARP State Director Barbara A. Sykes announced AARP’s opposition to House Bill 6 that would saddle all Ohioans with a new, unfair and unnecessary annual $300 million nuclear bailout tax.

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Based on the legislation, one company, First Energy, stands to receive the majority of the newly created $300 million Clean Air Program Fund.

“After the five previous attempts to bailout their failing business on the backs of the Ohio consumers, First Energy is at it again,” said Sykes. “Cleverly titled, The Ohio Clean Air Program, House Bill 6 was touted as a savings to residential and business customers. In reality the bill is filled with vague language, hidden legacy fees and a $300 million nuclear bailout for two failing power plants in NE Ohio.”

“We are firmly opposed to this for all Ohioans, but especially for those age 50-plus who are living on fixed incomes,” said Sykes.

Analysis of the bill indicates that rather than seeing a cost reduction in their bills, as originally promised by the bill supporters, all Ohio utility customers will still be on the hook to pay for existing energy efficiency programs and contracts with no clear end to those fees.

“Ohioans expect their elected leaders to be transparent about hidden costs in the form of legacy or mandatory fees, taxes and charges,” said Semanthie Brooks, an Akron-area resident and AARP Ohio Volunteer Executive Council member.

“The bill, as written today, does not deliver in a clear, identifiable way, any benefit to Ohio’s consumers, manufacturers or future. Instead it promises savings and jobs, but has no specific language outlining due process to ensure that will happen. It will actually increase utility bills and in a very unnecessary and unfair way,” said AARP Ohio Manager of Advocacy Luke Russell.

“Utility customers in Ohio expect to pay fair and reasonable prices for electricity- and not a dollar more. AARP will continue to fight unfair increases in utility rates in Ohio.”