OH HB178

Creates a zero-emissions nuclear resource program requiring electric distribution utilities to purchase zero-emissions nuclear credits from qualifying nuclear energy resources to meet state energy policy goals.

Establishes that zero-emissions nuclear credits are priced at $17 per credit for the initial program period (adjustable for inflation in subsequent periods) with a maximum purchase cap of one-third of each utility's total end-user consumption over the previous two years.

Requires qualifying nuclear resources to be interconnected within the PJM transmission system, transmission-deliverable, and demonstrate environmental benefits equivalent to or exceeding in-state nuclear resources through reduced air pollution and carbon emissions impacts.

Mandates that participating utilities recover all credit purchase costs through a nonbypassable rider to customers with a cap limiting bill increases to no more than 5% compared to June 2015 levels.

Operates the program in successive two-year periods over sixteen years (eight program periods), with mandatory evaluations in years six and eleven to assess whether policy goals are being met and whether the program should continue.