PUCO plans hearing on light-bulb issue

By Marc Kovac

The light-bulb plan was implemented in an effort to reduce energy usage.

COLUMBUS — State regulators will have a public hearing later this month over a controversial plan by FirstEnergy to deliver energy- efficient light bulbs to its customers, then charge them for the costs involved.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio scheduled oral arguments for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at its offices here. The session also will be broadcast live on PUCO’s Web site, www.puco.ohio.gov.

The hearing is open to the public, but comments will be limited to representatives from FirstEnergy, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, Industrial Energy Users-Ohio, the National Resources Defense Council and Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy.

Each will have eight minutes to present its side on the issue and answer commission members’ questions.

In September, FirstEnergy received approval from the commission to move forward with plans to provide 3.75 million compact fluorescent light bulbs to residential customers. The company says the bulbs will save customers about $60 over a five- to seven-year period.

The plan was developed to meet state-mandated energy efficiencies, with utilities required to reduce energy usage by 22.2 percent by the end of 2025.

FirstEnergy announced the program earlier this month, prompting an outcry from customers about the costs of the bulbs and the methodology in their distribution.

PUCO and Gov. Ted Strickland’s office received high volumes of phone calls and e-mails from customers angry about the situation. Both subsequently called on FirstEnergy to delay the program.

FirstEnergy postponed distribution of the bulbs until meeting with PUCO to further discuss the situation.

The consumers’ counsel has since filed a motion for a rehearing on the light-bulb plan, which the group calls “unreasonable and unlawful,” according to documents.

“The order should be modified to allow an open, transparent process where questions raised by the governor, members of the Ohio General Assembly and FirstEnergy customers related to program details and costs can be addressed,” the counsel wrote.

At least two consumers have submitted letters to PUCO on the program, as well. Cleveland resident Cynthia A. Mooney wrote “I would never make a request for these bulbs. I did not consent to the delivery of these bulbs to my home; therefore, I am not required to make a payment for an item I did not order.”

And Jim Green of Sagamore Hills wrote, “The public is fed up with big business and big government doing one foolish thing after another and passing the bill on to the taxpayers. I know you wouldn’t pay $20 for two bulbs, why should we?”

mkovac@dixcom.com