Speak out against FirstEnergy’s rate hikes

The cost of nearly everything is going up, and FirstEnergy wants to make electric bills more expensive, too. But we have a chance to speak out.

FirstEnergy’s subsidiary, the Illuminating Company, provides electric distribution service to Heights residents. In 2024, FirstEnergy applied to increase its rates. Our state regulator, the Public Utilities Commission (PUCO), will decide the rates we pay.

This increase will be costly. In March, the average electric bill for Illuminating Company customers was $161. The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) analyzed FirstEnergy’s proposal and found that FirstEnergy wants to make that bill more expensive by $13 each month. The OCC said that the proposed increase would generate $190 million for FirstEnergy.

We need to tell FirstEnergy and PUCO that we are facing an affordability crisis. On our bills, FirstEnergy already charges riders and junk fees, including fees to prop up old coal power plants, fees from the scandal-ridden HB 6, and fees to pay a bill online.

So, what can you do? FirstEnergy customers can write public comments. Cleveland Heights City Council and University Heights City Council can oppose the rate increase in resolutions. PUCO will consider comments and resolutions before making a decision.

Send comments and resolutions to PUCO at https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/. The case number is 24-468-EL-AIR.