Ohio lawmaker pushes for local hearings before PUCO decides on Dayton utility purchase

Ohio state Rep. Tristan Rader wants the Public Utility Commission of Ohio to hold local hearings before approving a $10.7 billion deal to purchase Dayton’s electric utility, AES. Rader expressed concern that the private ownership would be controlled by a group with few ties to the region and potential conflicts of interest. Despite this push for hearings, a PUCO staff review indicated the buyers were a “suitable owner” and suggested little to no foreseeable drawbacks for AES Ohio.