(A) Not later than two hundred seventy-five days after the date an electric utility files a transition plan under section 4928.31 of the Revised Code, but, in any event, not later than October 31, 2000, the public utilities commission shall issue a final order approving the transition plan as filed under section 4928.31 of the Revised Code or an order modifying and approving that plan. The order is subject to section 4903.15 of the Revised Code and is subject to review and appeal under Chapter 4903. of the Revised Code.

(B) If the commission fails to issue, by October 31, 2000, a final order approving a transition plan, or such a final order has been enjoined in whole or in part pending appeal to a court, the commission shall issue an interim order prescribing a transition plan, to have effect on an interim basis only, and containing the plan components required by division (A) of section 4928.31 of the Revised Code and providing for the opportunity for transition revenue receipt if such an application were included in the plan filed by the utility under that section. The interim order is subject to section 4903.15 of the Revised Code but is not subject to review and appeal under Chapter 4903. of the Revised Code. An interim plan prescribed under the interim order shall be effective for the electric utility beginning on the starting date of competitive retail electric service and shall continue in effect until such time as any other replacement transition plan takes effect pursuant to a final commission order or resolution of an appeal. Any interim plan so prescribed shall comply with the applicable provisions of section 4928.34 of the Revised Code. A final commission order shall provide for a reconciliation of those amounts determined in the final order relative to division (A) of section 4928.31 of the Revised Code as compared to the interim amounts as determined under this division.

(C) No electric utility required to file a transition plan under section 4928.31 of the Revised Code shall fail to implement a transition plan approved or prescribed for the utility by a commission order issued under division (A) or (B) of this section. No electric utility shall provide retail electric service in this state during the market development period except pursuant to such an approved or prescribed transition plan.

Effective Date: 10-05-1999 .