Tagged In: energy, house bill 6, Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, PUCO
Emily Bacha, Vice President of Public Affairs, September 13, 2024
For Immediate Release:
Friday, September 13, 2024
Contact:
Emily Bacha, OEC
ebacha@theoec.org
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Yesterday, news broke that FirstEnergy reached a $100 million settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to resolve the commission’s investigation into the House Bill 6 scandal.
This settlement comes as the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is currently reviewing FirstEnergy’s first rate case in nearly 20 years. This delay is due, in part, to the former PUCO Chair’s favorable treatment of FirstEnergy as the result of a $4.3 bribe. All four PUCO investigations into FirstEnergy’s actions related to these scandals remain pending before the Commission.
The following quote can be attributed, in whole or in part, to Nolan Rutschilling, Managing Director of Energy Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC):
“This $100 million settlement emphasizes what Ohioans already know—we cannot afford to trust utility company CEOs or corrupt legislators to have our best interests in mind. The settlement is disappointingly small, and does little to deter future legislative or regulatory capture by special interests.
“Ohio regulators still have the opportunity to do what the SEC has failed to do: hold FirstEnergy accountable for its brazen activity against Ohioans interests. As Ohio regulators continue several investigations into FirstEnergy’s actions, including their role in the House Bill 6 scandal, and as they consider current rate cases, Ohioans’ interests should be top of mind.
“Currently, the Ohio energy policy conversation revolves around reliability, and a growing push for some form of reregulation, potentially allowing electric distribution utilities to own generation. As shown through the House Bill 6 and former PUCO Chair Randazzo bribery scandals, this would be a mistake at the detriment of consumers and our environment. Addressing the energy transition in Ohio must start from a place of rebuilding Ohioans’ trust in those making these important decisions, not guaranteeing utility companies more influence, power, and profits. Ohioans deserve affordable, reliable energy provided by clean energy sources in a competitive marketplace.”
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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.