About OPSB
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) is responsible for reviewing and approving plans for the construction of new energy facilities in Ohio. Before any company can build a major utility facility like a new power plant, or an electric transmission line, or a gas transmission pipeline, the OPSB assures that it benefits Ohio's citizens, promotes the state's economic interests, and protects the environment and land use.
Who makes up the Ohio Power Siting Board?
The chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) serves as the chairman of the Ohio Power Siting Board. The Board is comprised of 11 members, seven who vote and four who are non-voting members. In addition to the chairman, the other six voting members are:
the directors of:
- Ohio Environmental Protection Agency;
- Ohio Department of Agriculture;
- Ohio Department of Development;
- Ohio Department of Health;
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources;
- and a public member.
The public representative, who must be a licensed engineer, is appointed by the Governor from a list of nominees submitted by the Ohio Consumers' Counsel.
The four non-voting members are legislators -- two from the Ohio House of Representatives and two from the Ohio Senate.
How does the OPSB make its decision?
According to law, the OPSB must find and determine eight criteria including:
- The need for the facility;
- The probable environmental impact of the proposed facility;
- The facility represents the minimum adverse environmental impact, considering available technology and the nature and economics of alternatives;
- In the case of electric transmission lines, that the facility is consistent with regional plans for expansion of the electric power grid of the electric systems serving Ohio and interconnected systems and that the facility will serve the interests of electric system economy and reliability;
- The facility will comply with all air and water pollution control and solid waste disposal laws and regulations;
- The facility will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity;
- The facility's impact on the continued agricultural viability of any land in an existing agricultural district; and
- The facility incorporates maximum feasible water conservation practices as determined by the Board, considering available technology and the nature and economics of various alternatives.
What input do I have in the process?
Before filing an application to build a new facility, the company is required to hold a public informational meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to let those affected know about its plans to file an application with the OPSB. The meeting is also used to gather public input and hear the public's concerns, which the company considers in developing its application.
After the company submits its application, the OPSB staff scrutinizes the plan, makes a formal request for comments from other state and federal agencies and the OPSB process provides for stakeholder input, and then makes a recommendation to the full Board.
After the OPSB staff makes its recommendation, formal public hearings are held to obtain input from affected citizens, interested groups, and governmental entities.
Note: After a case has been officially filed with the Board, Board members are, by law, generally precluded from discussing the substance of the case with any party until the Board issues its decision. Interested persons are encouraged to submit written comments to the Docketing Division, 180 E. Broad Street, 10th floor, Columbus, OH 43215, and to attend the scheduled public hearing. Submissions should include the case number as discussed below.
What is in the application?
The application must describe both the need for the facility and its impact and effects on the surrounding area. The application must also contain information on alternative sites. While one of the sites is designated "preferred" by the company, the "preferred" designation does not indicate any favor or prior approval of the Board.
How can I see a copy of the application?
When the application is determined to be complete, legal notices are published in local newspapers in those areas impacted by the proposed facility. The legal notice must include a listing of area libraries where a copy of the application may be viewed. I'd like to find out more about the OPSB or a specific application.
The OPSB can be reached at (866) 270-OPSB (6772). Navigate this site to learn about the OPSB members, see the complete power siting process, or to check details of a specific application. Each application is assigned a case number and all legal filings regarding the case can be accessed using that case number. Call 1-866-270-OPSB to request a specific case’s number.
