COLUMBUS — Ohio energy companies could take control of customers’ thermostats and water heaters.

House Bill 427, recently introduced in the Ohio General Assembly, proposes creating a voluntary demand response program to give utility companies the ability to temporarily adjust energy usage when demand is high.

Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, R-Haviland, said the bill is critical to the state’s overall energy plan.

“This legislation is a crucial step in our state’s comprehensive plan to ensure all Ohioans have access to reliable, affordable and readily available energy,” Klopfenstein said. “Demand response programs have proven to be a vital tool for our large commercial users, and it’s important that similar programs are made available to residential and small commercial users. These programs will ease the strain on our energy grid and save money for all Ohioans.”

The opt-in program would allow energy companies to take control of thermostats and water heaters and give companies the ability to change temperatures or cycles during high-demand periods.

Customers would be able to override the changes, and utilities would be allowed to compensate customers with an annual payment or per-event fee.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio would review the programs to make sure they would be cost-effective for customers.

HB 427 has not been assigned to a committee.