OH SB266

Electric distribution utilities are prohibited from owning or operating publicly available EV charging stations except through a separate, non-regulated affiliate or subsidiary.

Utilities may petition the Public Utilities Commission to install charging stations in "areas of last resort" (rural counties with population under 50,000 lacking existing chargers) only after five years and if a right of first refusal process identifies no private providers.

Non-utility entities have 90 days after a utility's filing to submit notices of intent to build competing charging stations within a 10-mile radius and commit to service within 18 months or 12 months after make-ready infrastructure completion.

Utility revenues from electric distribution service cannot subsidize EV charging station investments except through PUC-approved programs, and utility affiliates must pay the same rates as independent charging providers.

Utilities may recover make-ready infrastructure costs through distribution rate cases on a nondiscriminatory basis and may operate charging stations on their own premises for their own vehicles.