FirstEnergy’s track record shows that it is First at Wasting Energy.
Reducing energy waste through energy efficiency programs is the cleanest and cheapest way to meet Ohio’s energy needs. But while other utilities like AEP, Duke and Dayton Power and Light are going above and beyond the call of duty to eliminate energy waste, FirstEnergy is dragging its feet, putting their customers at a disadvantage.
• In 2009, FirstEnergy presented customers with a Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) program, which would have charged customers $22 for two CFLs.
• In 2010, FirstEnergy removed an all-electric rate that left customers using more electricity than needed and higher bills.
• FirstEnergy’s business energy efficiency program underestimated demand for efficiency by so much that they ran though their three-year incentive budget in 8 months.
• Most recently, an independent auditor discovered that FirstEnergy paid about 15 times what they should have for renewable energy credits.
• And now, FirstEnergy is trying to remove this savings opportunity completely. Not only from its own customers, but from all Ohioans.
After announcing the retirement of their coal plant fleet in Northern Ohio, FirstEnergy failed to plan for replacing the energy needs of their territory, leaving their customers to foot the bill for billions while gaining a huge financial benefit for the company. FirstEnergy's stockholders may see these actions as great business sense, but for FirstEnergy’s Ohio electric customers, it's a huge financial loss.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) must help FirstEnergy’s customers save money and protect public health by significantly reducing energy waste through energy efficiency.
• Ohio has over 1,130 businesses that weatherize buildings, manufacture components for the efficiency industry, or sell efficient products.
• The Cleveland Symphony Orchestra has been able to cut its energy needs in half by using FirstEnergy’s efficient lighting programs, showing the enormous economic benefits to customers from programs created by Ohio’s energy efficiency standards.
The PUCO is responsible for ensuring that the Companies’ energy waste reduction programs are part of an energy portfolio that provides adequate, safe and reliable power at a fair price.
• The PUCO is comprised of five commissioners appointed to rotating, five-year terms by the governor.
• The PUCO is chaired by Todd Snitcher, appointed by Governor Kasich.
The PUCO has the opportunity right now to protect FirstEnergy customers from unnecessary expected cost Increases. Energy Efficiency programs in Ohio are required to save customers more than they cost and the PUCO can ensure that energy efficiency programs are prioritized rather than deepening our dependence on fossil fueled energy sources.
FirstEnergy customers deserve the real value offered by energy efficiency programs, and the PUCO can hold FirstEnergy accountable by making sure it has a strong plan to reduce waste and protect customers.
Take Action Now: Over 3,000 Ohioans have already demanded that the PUCO stand up for customers! FirstEnergy opposed holding public hearings and the PUCO denied them. Take action and let the PUCO know that you want them to choose energy efficiency over FirstEnergy profits.