Ohio lawmakers are debating how to regulate companies that sell electricity to thousands of apartment dwellers, following a major court ruling that defines them as public utilities. One bill, House Bill 265, would treat submetering companies like utilities, while House Bill 173 would give them their own set of rules. Both bills have bipartisan support, but their approaches will determine how much renters pay and what protections they have. The court ruled that the definition of public utilities came from state law and lawmakers can change it. Supporters of HB 265 argue that submeting companies should be regulated like utilities and apply the same consumer protections as traditional utilities. Critics of HB173 argue that this could push them out of the market if the court's ruling stands.