The Robert F. Manifold Award is the highest honor of the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, recognizing a lifetime of public service. It was awarded to Bruce Weston for "Dedication and Meritorious Service to the People of Ohio and to NASUCA."
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is holding public hearings where you can comment on FirstEnergy’s newest proposal to increase your electric bill. The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the state’s advocate for residential utility consumers, opposes the increase.
FirstEnergy is asking for a $1.4 billion rate hike through a so-called Electric Security Plan (ESP). Bills would rise beginning June 2024, through the spring of 2032. Since about 2008, Electric Security Plans have been used by electric utilities as a tool to get more rate increases in between traditional rate cases. The Plans have provided more “security” for utilities than consumers. We support Ohio Senate Bill 143 to ban the plans.
Experts at OCC are analyzing FirstEnergy’s proposed rate increase. We are giving FirstEnergy’s two million residential consumers a strong voice for affordable and reliable electric service in the case.
Now is not the time for another rate hike! Ohioans are already facing financial difficulties with higher energy prices and inflation. You, too, can get involved and make your voice heard at the PUCO!
In-Person: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 — Cleveland City Hall, Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, Room 218, 601 Lakeside Ave. East, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.
6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14 — Board of Lucas County Commissioners, One Government Center, Suite 800, Toledo, Ohio 43604.
4:30 pm. Tuesday, Sept. 26 — Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 South High Street, Room 2AB, Akron, Ohio 44308.
Click for OCC tips on how to speak at local public hearings: http://bit.ly/how-to-testify.
Online: Click on “File a Public Comment” at https://bit.ly/fe-esp-23
By Mail: Send a letter referencing FirstEnergy and PUCO Case 23-301 to:
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
180 E. Broad St., 11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
OCC’s Motion to Intervene on behalf of FirstEnergy consumers is available at this link: https://bit.ly/occ-mti-fe-esp-v.
Here is a link to the PUCO docket with all the filings in the case: https://bit.ly/fe-esp-23.
Call or e-mail your advocate, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, at 1-877-742-5622 or occ@occ.ohio.gov.
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If you need multiple copies for an organization or group, please contact a member of our outreach team.