YOUNGSTOWN The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio is investigating whether SOBE Thermal Energy Systems, a utility that provides heat and cooling to buildings in downtown Youngstown, can continue its operations after a court ordered the company to surrender equipment it leases.

The commission opened a case docket on Friday to investigate SOBE's ability to provide service, according to documents from the commission. The company serves 27 buildings in downtown Youngstown, including two buildings with about 90 residential units.

The investigation follows a Mahoning County Common Pleas Court order granting Wabash Power Equipment Co. the right to immediate possession of a Containerized Mobile Steam Plant that SOBE uses to provide heating and cooling services to its customers.

The court

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