evidence: Energy Efficiency Standard (R.C. 4928.66-4928.6615). Along with the scaling back of the state RPS, HB 6 entirely eliminated Ohio’s energy efficiency resource standard and funds for electric utility efficiency programs starting on January 1, 2021. The PUCO subsequently issued an order requiring implementation of these provisions through a "winding-down" of existing efficiency programs after September 30, 2020.[5] Although the legislative discussion of HB 6 had contemplated that the electric utilities would still be able to seek approval for "voluntary" efficiency programs (similar to existing demand-side management programs run by Ohio’s major natural gas distribution utilities), the PUCO has not yet approved any such replacement programs. In fact, Duke Energy Ohio had proposed new programs to start in 2021 but withdrew that application in June 2020 after the PUCO sua sponte struck a proposed incentive payment mechanism from its application.[6] A repeal of HB 6 could restore the state’s energy savings targets, which originally targeted a cumulative reduction of 22.5% of Ohio's electric energy use by the year 2027.