Energy and AI Infrastructure Projects

Navigate Ohio’s complex energy & data center landscape with confidence. Hicks Partners helps you secure approvals, build community support, and ensure project success. Recent changes to Ohio law have streamlined the approval process while establishing specific requirements that projects must meet.

Who needs a certificate?

Any entity proposing to construct a “major utility facility” in Ohio — such as electric generation plants, high-voltage transmission lines, or certain gas pipelines — must first obtain a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from the Ohio Power Siting Board (housed within PUCO).

POWER SITING BOARD PROJECT APPROVAL: TIMELINE & REQUIREMENTS

Review & Decision Timelines

Step 1: Initial Review

  • Within 45 days of filing, the Board Chair must determine if the application is complete.

  • If no determination is made, the application is considered complete by law.

Step 2: Public Hearing

  • A public hearing must be held within 45–60 days of application completion (formerly 60–90 days).

Step 3: Decision Deadline

  • The Board must render a final decision on the application within 180 days after the application is deemed complete.

  • If the Board fails to meet this deadline, the application is automatically approved by operation of law, and a certificate must be issued.

Accelerated Review Options (Sec. 4906.03)

For projects in a designated Priority Investment Area, such as:

  • Electric generation facilities

  • Transmission lines

  • Gas infrastructure

➡️ Timeline: Decision required in 45 days, or else automatically approved.

Available for:

  • Transmission lines ≤ 2 miles

  • Projects inside industrial sites

  • Pipelines ≤ 5 miles

  • Rebuilds of existing lines

➡️ Timeline: Decision required in 90 days, or else automatically approved.

Our Services

Address key challenges within Ohio’s unique regulatory & stakeholder landscape

Hicks Partners offers specialized Ohio energy siting and stakeholder outreach services to guide your project from conception to operation. Leveraging our deep understanding of the Ohio energy regulatory landscape and our proven experience in community engagement for energy projects in Ohio, we turn challenges into opportunities.

Pre-Development Phase:

  • Site selection and evaluation support

  • Regulatory landscape analysis and compliance planning

  • Initial community needs assessment

  • Development of stakeholder maps and engagement strategies

  • Early outreach to local officials and community leaders

  • Public meeting planning and facilitation

Development Phase:

  • Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) application support

  • Public information meeting coordination (required under new OPSB rules)

  • Management of public notice requirements

  • Development of project-specific messaging and materials

  • Coordination with legal and technical teams

  • Stakeholder database development and management

  • Facilitation of community benefit discussions

Construction Phase:

  • Ongoing community liaison services

  • Construction impact communications

  • Issue and complaint management

  • Regular stakeholder updates

  • Compliance monitoring for stakeholder-related requirements

Operational Phase:

  • Continued community relations

  • Support for annual reporting requirements to OPSB

  • Long-term benefit program administration

  • Issue management

Stakeholder Outreach

Effective Stakeholder Outreach for Ohio Energy Projects

  • Strategic community engagement for energy projects in Ohio.
  • Identification and mapping of key Ohio energy stakeholders.
  • Development of tailored public information meetings Ohio energy.
  • Expert facilitation of dialogues and conflict resolution.
  • Crafting impactful communication strategies and public relations for energy projects.
  • Building and maintaining positive relationships with local communities and officials.

Reduce Project Delays

Our services reduce the risk of delays and denials

Reduce Project Delays

Proactive siting and stakeholder engagement minimizes the likelihood of permit denials, legal challenges, and project delays, saving clients time and money.

Cost Savings

Proactive stakeholder engagement reduces the likelihood of expensive litigation, late-stage project redesigns, and schedule delays.

Cost Savings

Building trust and securing community support ensures smoother project development and long-term operational success.

Regulatory Expertise

Regulation
Navigate Ohio Power Siting Board.
Permits
Understand energy permits & requirements.
Outreach
Anticipate community concerns.
Manage Risk
Avoid costly delays and opposition.

Strategic Ohio Energy Siting Services

  • Expert guidance on navigating OPSB regulations and Ohio energy project permits.
  • Thorough environmental permitting Ohio energy support.
  • Strategic preparation for OPSB public hearings and technical workshops, maximizing your chances for first-round approvals.
  • Comprehensive compliance monitoring throughout the permitting process, preventing costly regulatory oversights.
  • Development of tailored permit sequencing strategies that align with project timelines and minimize approval bottlenecks.

Deep Ohio Expertise

Based in Columbus, we possess an intimate understanding of the state’s unique regulatory, legislative, and community dynamics.

Enhanced Social License

Building trust and fostering positive relationships with local communities.

Proven Track Record

Leveraging our established success in government affairs and public relations within Ohio’s energy sector.

Comprehensive Approach

Combining regulatory expertise with strategic stakeholder engagement for holistic project success.

Reduced Project Risk

Proactively addressing potential roadblocks to ensure smoother approvals and timelines.

Experienced Team

Led by Brian K. Hicks, Brittney Colvin, Erik Mikkelson & Ian Nickey our team brings years of experience in the Ohio energy landscape.

Let’s Discuss Your Ohio Energy Project

Ready to navigate Ohio’s energy landscape with confidence? Contact the experts at Hicks Partners today.