October, 2020
POLICY UPDATES
DP&L Smart Grid Settlement Filed at PUCO
       
OPAE has signed off on a settlement with Dayton Power & Light Company regarding their proposed Smart Grid deployment. The stipulation covers Phase 1 of the deployment with 95% of customers receiving smart meters Frankly, DP&L’s distribution system has not seen adequate investment for years, so there was a need and you might as well deploy state-of-the-art technology, but smart meters can be problematic.

HB 6 Skirmishes Continue at the Commission

The public uproar over FirstEnergy’s dark money payments to nonprofits controlled by ex-Speaker Householder, and a motion by the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), prompted the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to open a docket to determine whether “the costs of any political or charitable spending in support of Am. Sub. H.B. 6, or the subsequent referendum effort were […] included, directly or indirectly, in any rates or charges paid by ratepayers in this state.”
Legislators Punt on HB 6

The General Assembly left town after a couple of desultory hearings regarding the repeal or repeal-and-replacement of the much-vilified HB 6.

The bill included many more anti-consumer provisions than the $0.85 per month nuclear bailout charge. It has a customer charge on residential customers of up to $1.50 per month to bail out two 1950s era coal plants (one in Indiana), and another charge to subsidize four solar projects (the lipstick on the pig). HB 6 repealed the energy efficiency standards, which is why OPAE is closing out the AEP Ohio and DP&L programs. The bill also repealed the advanced energy standards which were promoting solar and other renewable energy developments in Ohio.
OPAE Working with the General Assembly to Retain Low-Income Funding

The COVID-19 pandemic kept weatherization crews out of the field completely for three months, and it took a while to ramp back up. We were also dealing with a disrupted refrigerator and freezer supply chain prior to the pandemic; with COVID-19, the supply chain ruptured. The upshot is that member agencies will not be able to spend all the utility funds available this year to deliver efficiency services to Ohio’s most vulnerable families.
Federal Update – What Do the Candidates Propose for the Weatherization Assistance Program?

Comparing the positions of President Trump and Vice President Biden on low-income energy programs doesn’t really take very long. There is no need to peer at policy papers or review legislation. Here’s what we know:
WIN LUNCH FOR YOUR AGENCY
Stories, case studies and client letters are great ways to share how our role in Ohio communities positively impacts families.

SO SHARE YOUR SUCCESSES!
Each month, we will reward the agency that submits the most content for sharing with a free office lunch. Winners will be announced in subsequent e-newsletters.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TRUMBALL COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM.
YOUR AGENCY IS THIS MONTH'S $50 LUNCH WINNER WITH THREE CLIENT LETTER.

And thank you to all the other members who provided content.
Dialogue With Dave
OPAE presents a new interview series called "Dialogue with Dave". Dave Rinebolt, OPAE executive director, sits down with experts from the energy industry and influencers who work with the same populations as member agencies.

This month, hear from Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, executive director of Ohio Foodbank Association. Dave and Lisa talk about the "heat of eat" challenges our client base experiences.
RESOURCES
Governor DeWine Announces CARES Act Funding to Support Small Businesses, Nonprofits & Ohioans Impacted by COVID-19
APPLICAITONS OPEN NOV.2
Home Relief Grant
Starting November 2, 2020, the state of Ohio, working with local Community Action Agencies, will help eligible Ohioans who are behind on rent, mortgage, and water and/or sewer utility bills catch up on past payments back to April 1, 2020 and provide additional assistance through December 30, 2020.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY MONTH/DAY (OCT 7)
WEATAHERIZATION DAY (OCT 30)
PROCLAMATIONS
(click image to view)
Governor Dewine & Lt. Governor Husted
State of Ohio
City of Dayton
Nan Whaley
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
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  • Community Action Commission of Fayette County: ‘Drug Take Back’ a success READ MORE >>>