A bipartisan bill seeking to establish a community energy pilot program consisting of 1,500 MW was introduced in the Ohio Senate last month, complimenting House Bill (HB) 303 introduced last spring.

“Ohio is at an inflection point,” said the bill’s sponsor Senator Mark Romanchuk, R-Ontario, in a press statement. “Our state is attracting major investments in advanced manufacturing and data centers, and with that comes an urgent need for more electricity—produced here in Ohio.”

Senate Bill (SB) 231, mirrors HB 303, which proposes a program that allows for the development of solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas, hydroelectric power, microturbine, natural gas, energy storage system, or fuel cell projects.

The bills propose projects be built up to 10 MW with the exception of projects sited on brownfields, distressed sites, commercial or public sector rooftops, which may be built up to 20 MW.

The bills also propose that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio(PUCO) annually certify two 250 MW of community solar facilities until 1,000 MW is certified. Uncertified megawatts from one year will carry over to subsequent years until all available megawatts are certified.

The remaining 500 MW would be reserved for community solar projects constructed on distressed sites or on one or more commercial or public sector rooftops.

PUCO will have six months from when the bills takes effect to promulgate rules to implement the program. Utilities will have nine months to publish new tariffs or update existing tariffs.

According to NPM queue data, developers including AEP OnSite Partners, EDL Energy, ENGIE Group, NextEra Energy, Madison Energy, Rye Development, and Summit Ridge Energy are developing projects sub 20 MW in Ohio.

“SB 231, like HB 303, brings more energy options for Ohioans as demand is at an all-time high,” said the bill’s House sponsor, Representative Sharon Ray, in a press statement. “A pilot program like the one proposed would be a great way to bring value, more distributed generation, and energy security to our state.”

According to the Coalition of Community Solar Access (CCSA), Ohio imports about 25% of its energy–placing the state at a competitive disadvantage from higher costs and volatile pricing.

Both bills have yet to have hearings scheduled.

Although Ohio’s 2025 legislative session adjourns on December 31, bills may be carried over into the 2026 session.