FirstEnergy heeds state, postpones bulb program

COLUMBUS — FirstEnergy is postponing distribution of millions of energy-efficient light bulbs, company officials told the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio late Thursday.

PUCO spokeswoman Shana Eiselstein said the company has assured PUCO Chairwoman Alan Schriber that it would hold off on launching the program for the time being. It had planned to begin delivering bulbs next week.

“They are not going to begin distribution of the light bulbs on Monday, and they will begin discussions with PUCO about the program next week,” Eiselstein said.

The decision came after a public outcry from customers over FirstEnergy’s plans to deliver and charge customers for the light bulbs and calls from Schriber and Gov. Ted Strickland to postpone the program.