{"id":4840,"date":"2025-04-23T06:31:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T11:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ohenergyratings.com\/blog\/?p=4840"},"modified":"2025-04-21T13:32:22","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T18:32:22","slug":"firstenergy-rate-request-raising-opposition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ohenergyratings.com\/blog\/firstenergy-rate-request-raising-opposition\/","title":{"rendered":"FirstEnergy Rate Request Raising Opposition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

FirstEnergy May Raise Rate Again<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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FirstEnergy wants to raise utility distribution charge rates. Find out why and who is fighting this latest hike.<\/em><\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ohio has been paying some of the highest electricity rates<\/a> around. But, FirstEnergy<\/strong> customers may be looking at even higher bills in the future. That’s because FirstEnergy has filed to raise the distribution rate for each of its Ohio utilities again! But lawmakers and ratepayers are standing up and crying foul. This does leave two important questions though. Why does FirstEnergy<\/a><\/strong> want more money and why is there so much opposition this time around?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Is FirstEnergy Rate Rise?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

FirstEnergy<\/strong> has asked to raise $190 million<\/a> to cover repairs and major investments and in their grid. The increase would show up in the utility distribution charges of your bill. For example, let’s say that you use 1000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per month. Illuminating Company<\/strong><\/a> customers would see bills rise from $173.61 to over $186. Likewise, Ohio Edison<\/a><\/strong> bills would rise from $170.23 to about $173.22. And lastly, Toledo Edison<\/a><\/strong> customer bills would rise from $1171.74 to $173.30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Oppose FirstEnergy Filing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Back in February, FirstEnergy<\/strong> filed an electric security plan<\/a> (ESP) that would raise rates twice over the next few years. The Office of Consumer’s Council (OCC) opposes the increase<\/a> because it hikes bills for low and middle-income families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rate increase also hits hard after lawmakers ended subsidies to two FirstEnergy<\/strong> owned coal plants. The subsidies were originally part of the scandal-rocked House Bill 6<\/a> (HB6) that passed in 2019. The company has since paid over $300 million in fines to settle criminal charges<\/a> linked to bribery. But, the subsidies were left in place and have cost ratepayers roughly $100 million annually for five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FirstEnergy<\/strong> contends it hasn’t increased distribution rates since 2007. Though PUCO has yet to rule, a consultant advised a smaller $8.5 million<\/a> increase. Meanwhile, the OCC argues that PUCO should rule for a rate cut of $132 million per year instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, some lawmakers point out that FirstEnergy<\/strong> laid off about 350 employees<\/a>. They say that PUCO should consider these layoffs<\/a> when reviewing the rate case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How FirstEnergy Customers Can Save Money<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Right now, we have to wait and see how PUCO decides on the FirstEnergy<\/strong> rate request. There is a chance that rates could rise, which means bigger bills, especially during the summer and winter months. But you can start saving money right now, with these simple strategies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n