Hearings scheduled for electric rates

A state agency responsible for protecting consumers and ensuring that utility companies provide reliable and affordable services encourages concerned customers to attend one of several public hearings involving FirstEnergy's proposed $190 million increase. The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel issued a consumer alert after FirstEnergy proposed increasing electric distribution rates to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in May 2024. The consumers' counsel said it projects the bill of an average Ohio Edison consumer who uses 1,000 kilowatt hours per month jump from $170.23 to $173.22. A kilowatt is defined as a measurement of 1,000 watts of power expended for one hour. Furthermore: • The Illuminating Co. customers could expect their monthly bill to jump from $173.61 to $186.63. • Toledo Edison customers could expect their monthly bill to jump from $171.74 to $173.30. The consumer counsel stated that its goal is to ensure utility companies comply with regulatory standards and provide consumers with reliable and affordable utility services. Based on the proposals, consumer counsel noted that some FirstEnergy consumers can expect to see more than $150 per year added to their bills. Seeking public feedback on the proposal The Public Utilities Commission has recently announced the dates for the public hearings on FirstEnergy's proposed increase. • 5 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Cleveland Public Library, Learning Commons Spaces, 325 Superior Avenue, Cleveland. • 6 p.m. Monday, April 7, at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 South High Street, Akron • 6 p.m. Monday, April 14, at the Board of Lucas County Board of Commissioners, 1 Government Center Suite 800, Toledo People can also submit comments online at dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?Caseno=24-0468&link=COM.