FirstEnergy seeks time to revamp its bulb plan

COLUMBUS — FirstEnergy has asked state regulators for more time to file revamped plans to distribute millions of compact fluorescent light bulbs to customers, part of the company’s efforts to meet state-mandated energy- efficiency benchmarks.

In a filing with the Public Utilities Commission this week, FirstEnergy said it intends to file a larger plan for energy efficiency and peak-demand reduction programs no later than Dec. 31.

Since the CFL program will be part of that larger plan, the company has requested permission to include details in the later filing, rather then submitting a separate plan to PUCO by Monday, as earlier ordered by the commission.

FirstEnergy purchased 3.5 million light bulbs and had planned to deliver them directly to residential and some small-business customers, recouping the costs involved through those customers’ bills.

But the move caused an outcry when customers learned about the costs involved and prompted PUCO Chairman Alan Schriber to stop the distribution and rethink the process.

FirstEnergy spokeswoman Ellen Raines said the company is making progress on an alternative program for distributing the CFLs, including allowing customers to request them or receive discounts on bulbs through selected retailers.

Those plans are still being ironed out, and Raines said it made more sense to wrap them into the larger energy-efficiency program, which the company hopes to submit to the state by mid-December.