4901:1-26-02. Definitions

(A) "Mediation" is a voluntary, alternative dispute resolution process available to resolve formal complaints pending at the commission that are between nonmercantile, nonresidential customers, on the one hand, and electric utilities, electric service companies, electric cooperatives, or governmental aggregators, on the other hand. Under this mediation process, a neutral third party, who is independent of the parties, assists the parties in reaching their own settlement. The mediator does not have the power to impose a resolution. The role of the mediator and the goal of the process are to help the parties achieve their own resolution.

(B) "Arbitration" is a voluntary, alternative dispute resolution process available to resolve formal complaints pending at the commission that are between nonmercantile, nonresidential customers, on the one hand, and electric utilities, electric service companies, electric cooperatives, or governmental aggregators, on the other hand. Under this arbitration process, the parties present evidence and legal arguments to a neutral third party, called an arbitrator or an arbitration panel, who renders a decision. The parties are required to accept the arbitration decision when commission personnel acts as the arbitrator, except to the limited extent set forth in this chapter.

(C) "Commission" means the public utilities commission of Ohio.

(D) "Certified arbitration process" means a commercial arbitration process, the use of which has been approved by the commission pursuant to paragraphs (B) and (I) of rule 4901:1-26-04 of the Administrative Code for resolving disputes arising under formal complaints filed with the commission.

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 7/10/2019 and 07/10/2024
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 4928.06
Rule Amplifies: 4928.16
Prior Effective Dates: 09/18/2000, 12/11/2014

Prior History: (R.C. 119.032 review dates: 03/06/2014 and 03/06/2019
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 4928.06
Rule Amplifies: 4928.16
Prior Effective Dates: 9/18/2000)