AEP, other Ohio utilities could own nuclear power plants under state bill

[Marlin]

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/aep-ohio-nuclear-power-smr-bill-oma/820841/

[News Wire]

Proposed legislation in Ohio would allow utilities to own nuclear generation assets, reversing previous deregulation policies. AEP is currently evaluating small modular reactor sites in Indiana and Virginia to meet rising electricity demand from data centers. The bill faces opposition from industrial groups concerned about shifting financial risks from utility shareholders to retail customers.

The Ohio Manufacturers' Association opposes the bill, saying it would give utilities a path back into the generation business with customers bearing the financial risks.

The bill comes as Columbus, Ohio-based AEP is exploring developing small modular nuclear projects in Indiana and Virginia — areas with significant data center development.

"We are actively reviewing several potential sites and interconnection locations as we assess how nuclear can play a meaningful role in the future to support load growth," William Fehrman, AEP chairman, president and CEO, said May 5 during an earnings conference call. "Any nuclear investment will require strong capital protection, disciplined balance sheet safeguards and significant regulatory and governmental engagement, such as loan guarantees and long lead-time equipment support."

Read the full article at Utility Dive:
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/aep-ohio-nuclear-power-smr-bill-oma/820841/