FirstEnergy Corp.’s Ohio electric companies—Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison—have filed a request with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to review their base electric rates. The rate request aims to recover investments made to enhance the distribution system, improve customer experience, and establish a new customer assistance program for income-eligible residential customers. The proposed annual revenue change is approximately $93.6 million compared to current rates.
Since their last rate review in 2007, FirstEnergy’s Ohio electric companies have collectively invested billions of dollars to modernize and strengthen the electric grid. This includes the four-year, $516 million Grid Modernization Plan approved by PUCO in 2019. These investments include installing automated devices that can sense outages and automatically transfer customers to an adjacent power line to reduce outage duration.
The rate review proposes further investments in the distribution system, storm restoration work, and a bill assistance initiative focused on customer needs and expectations. Specific proposals include:
– Recovery of investments made for a more reliable distribution system, including additional animal guards and lightning protection on electrical equipment.
– Creation of an Energy Assistance Outreach Team to increase awareness and participation in energy assistance programs for eligible customers. Currently, about 34% of FirstEnergy’s Ohio residential customers qualify for financial assistance.
– Transitioning company-owned streetlights to state-of-the-art energy-efficient LED streetlights.
If approved by PUCO, a typical non-shopping FirstEnergy Ohio utility residential customer using 750 kilowatt-hours per month could see an increase of $1.88 or 1.5% on their monthly bill. A supplemental filing will be made at the end of July to incorporate impacts from PUCO’s recent decision in the ESP V case.
To help manage rising energy costs, FirstEnergy’s Ohio companies offer budget plans, special payment plans, and access to energy assistance programs. Customers can apply or learn more at firstenergycorp.com/billassist or contact customer service at 1-800-633-4766.
The requested rate reviews are subject to PUCO approval. Any increase would not become effective until authorized by the commission. The public can comment on the filing through PUCO’s public comment process. The companies will also participate in public meetings about the plan and engage key stakeholders for an open review process.
FirstEnergy Corp., dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence, operates one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems serving customers across several states including Ohio and Pennsylvania.
NEWS CONTACT: Lauren Siburkis at (330) 203-8850; INVESTOR CONTACT: Irene Prezelj at (330) 384-3859
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