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YOUNGSTOWN -- Sobe Thermal Energy Systems LLC and the former operator of a facility that provides heating and cooling services to several downtown customers have "regulatory paperwork" matters before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, according to a spokesman.
The Dublin, Ohio-based company that acquired Youngstown Thermal LLC and Youngstown Thermal Cooling LLC has an entry considering transfer of tariffs before the commission when it meets Wednesday.
According to commission spokesman Matt Schilling, the order that approved the asset sale also directed SOBE to notify the commission when the transaction closes and to file updated tariffs to reflect the change in ownership.
It's clear the transaction is complete, but the tariff documents have not been filed.
"I would expect Wednesday the commission's entry or order to kind of just be something to the effect of a reminder … you have some paperwork responsibilities here with us and ordering the company to follow through and get that stuff changed," Schilling said.
A tariff is a regulatory term for all the terms, conditions and rates for customers.
An email was sent Monday to SOBE CEO David Ferro seeking comment.
Likewise, the item involving Youngstown Thermal LLC and Youngstown Thermal Cooling LLC is about tariff paperwork.
ADEQUATE SERVICE
The item is part of a case that goes back to 2017, after the commission was informed by Youngstown Thermal's former CEO that the business was in a financial struggle that could have caused an energy crisis in downtown. The company couldn't ensure adequate service to its customers and was in danger of insolvency when the commission stepped in.
The commission in November 2021 approved the sale of the companies to SOBE, which had managed the facility in June 2019. The sale was for $250,000.
"I would expect this case order to almost mirror the other one -- file your tariffs and when that is done, we can close this case because the enforcement stuff has been over with," Schilling said.
SOBE has come under a bit of fire recently for its plan to shred tires to be converted into gas to provide steam energy.
Opponents claim the company needs the OK from Youngstown for a zoning permit for the proposal; a claim the SOBE's chief executive disagrees. Rather, Ferro said the only approval that's needed is from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
SOBE Concerned Citizens, a group opposed to the project, has given petitions signed by 553 city residents urging Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, city council and the planning commission to take action to not grant a permit for the plant, 205 North Ave.
Several city officials say they oppose the gasification project, but it's a state issue and not a Youngstown decision.
rselak@tribtoday.com