Wind energy group urges Ohio to change tax setup
The American Wind Energy Association says Ohio's existing tax method could be a hurdle to boosting the amount of electricity in Ohio that comes from renewable sources.
About a year ago, state lawmakers passed a landmark energy bill that requires 12.5 percent of electricity sold in the state to come from renewable sources by 2025. The requirement is being phased in, starting at 0.25 percent this year and escalating each following year.
In a letter sent to Gov. Ted Strickland, the association has asked the state to consider charging a production tax on electricity generated by wind turbines, instead of requiring a tangible personal property tax on an electric utility's equipment.
At issue is hundreds of millions of dollars. Last year, gas and electric utilities paid more than $620 million in tangible personal property taxes, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.
Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania and West Virginia have reduced or eliminated that tax, making them more attractive to potential wind energy developers, according to the wind association.
"We respectfully request that you work with us to craft a more comprehensive solution, a solution that will provide flexibility and efficiency for developers seeking to invest a minimum of $6 billion in Ohio's economy," The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer quoted the letter as saying.
Strickland's energy adviser, Mark Shanahan, who also directs the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, says he first wants to see state-by-state tax comparisons and evaluate some of the group's claims he thinks are inaccurate.
Any tax change would require a comprehensive review of utility taxes to be fair, Shanahan said.
Related News

Britain got its cleanest electricity ever during lockdown
LONDON - U.K electricity has never been cleaner. As wind, solar and biomass plants produced more power than ever in the second quarter, carbon emissions fell by a third from a year earlier, according to Drax Electric Insight’s quarterly report. Power prices slumped 42 per cent as demand plunged during lockdown. Total renewable energy output jumped 32 per cent in the period.
“The past few months have given the country a glimpse into the future for our power system, with higher levels of renewable energy and lower demand making for a difficult balancing act,”said Iain Staffell, from Imperial College London and…