FirstEnergy's rate request unreasonable; residents need to attend Wauseon hearing

A major household expense could go up even higher if a proposed electric distribution rate increase for FirstEnergy is approved. The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, encourages customers to express their opinions about the utility's proposed $340 million annual revenue increase for all its Ohio customers (residential, commercial and industrial) served by Cleveland Electric Illuminating, Ohio Edison and Toledo Edison.

The OCC believes that FirstEnergy's proposed rates are unreasonable.

Based on the OCC's experts, consumers should not have to pay for many of the multi-million dollars in costs cited by the utility. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will make a final decision after holding upcoming local public hearings. Additionally, the reliability of FirstEnergy's distribution service continues to be a concern for the OCC.

We encourage consumers to participate in the hearings and express their thoughts about the higher electric rates proposed by FirstEnergy as well as discuss the utility's service and reliability.

Based on a recent PUCO decision, a public hearing has been scheduled in Wauseon on Tues., March 11, 6:30 p.m., in the Municipal Building, council chambers on the second floor.

In addition, letters can be written to the PUCO. All letters and envelopes should reference Case Number 07-551-EL-AIR and be sent to: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Attn: Docketing Division, 180 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215.

For more information about the rate case or testifying at the hearing, consumers can visit www.pickocc.org or call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622).

Janine Migden-Ostrander

Consumers' Counsel

Columbus