OH SB149

Prohibits electric, gas, and natural gas utilities and their affiliates from recovering political expenditure costs from customers through rates, fees, riders, or other charges.

Defines "political expenditure" to include contributions to candidates and parties, trade association dues, lobbying expenses, and costs to influence public opinion about policy or utility reputation.

Requires utilities to submit annual expenditure reports by January 1st to the Public Utilities Commission listing payee, amount, and purpose of each political expenditure.

Establishes a fine of twenty times the amount improperly charged if a utility violates the prohibition, with fines deposited into a political activity fine fund administered by the Department of Development.

Directs fine fund money to assist customers with past-due utility bills through the percentage of income payment plan program.