State Rep. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, is sponsoring legislation to classify entities that purchase and resell energy as public utilities that would require them to follow the same regulatory standards as traditional providers.

The bill, sponsored by Fischer as well as state Rep. Sean Brennan, a Parma Democrat, targets submetering companies, which buy electricity at wholesale rates and resell it to residents in apartment complexes and rental units. Those companies don’t have the oversight that public utilities have, Fischer said.

Because of that, Fischer said many Ohioans are locked out of the competitive energy market resulting in them often paying higher costs without the ability to choose a provider.

“At my core, I am a free-market conservative,” Fischer said. “But I don’t believe in businesses selling the same product under a different set of rules. That’s exactly what’s happening with submetering and it’s a problem.”

The legislation seeks to close the loophole by ensuring all companies selling energy directly to consumers are subject to equal regulation, Fischer said.

This change would restore choice and fairness to thousands of residents and strengthen Ohio’s competitive energy market, an initiative that has saved consumers nearly $37 billion since 2011, Fischer said.

“This isn’t about more regulation,” he said. “It’s about fair regulation. We’re standing up for consumer choice, transparency and a competitive market that works for everyone.”