November 19, 2025
OEC Statement on PUCO $250 million penalty against First Energy, including customer restitution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 19, 2025
CONTACT:
Karlena Wallace, Communications Director
media@theoec.org 614-487-7506
OEC Statement on PUCO $250 million penalty against First Energy,
including customer restitution
COLUMBUS, OH — On Wednesday, November 19, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio issued a combined $250.70 million in restitution to customers and civil forfeitures against FirstEnergy for its companies’ actions surrounding the passage of House Bill 6. Among other findings, the Commission found “that the utilities used money, collected from customers from 2017-2019, to subsidize its unregulated generation affiliate in violation of Ohio law.”
Over the course of three billing cycles, FirstEnergy electric distribution utilities must return $179.99 million to customers.
The total penalties include all of the following:
- $179.99 million for Rider DMR restitution
- $6.64 million for Rider DCR Audit Refund
- $18.93 million for Failure to Disclose Side Deal Civil Forfeiture
- $21.78 million for Corporate Separation – 2013 SFA Agreement Civil Forfeiture
- $23.36 million for Audit Report Corporate Separation Civil Forfeitures
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Karin Nordstrom, Clean Energy Attorney for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC):
“In fining FirstEnergy over $250 million, the PUCO has sent a message to Ohio’s electric distribution utilities: corruption will not be tolerated. At a time when Ohioans’ electric bills are skyrocketing, the Commission has finally acted to hold FE accountable for HB 6, forcing FirstEnergy to repay its customers for money it unduly collected. The OEC applauds the Commission for its decision today. We encourage the Commission to take all necessary action to ensure Ohio’s electric utilities put reliable, affordable electricity over corporate greed.”
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The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) protects the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement.
