Groups: Keep Ohio laws on energy efficiency

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Small-business and consumer groups say a utility is trying to eliminate Ohio’s energy-efficiency laws they say benefit everyone.

The Small Business Majority, Moms Clean Air Force and the Ohio Environmental Council are campaigning to stop what they say are a FirstEnergy subsidiary’s efforts to repeal Ohio’s energy-efficiency laws. The groups want Ohioans to pledge not to become FirstEnergy Solutions customers until the com- pany changes its policies.

The groups say utilities’ efficiency programs save customers money through home energy audits, appliance rebates and other incentives, and lower harmful emissions.

FirstEnergy Solutions spokeswoman Diane Francis says the utility doesn’t oppose voluntary efficiency programs, but wants legislators to review whether they should remain mandatory.