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Contact: Ryan Lippe
(614) 466-7269

Results of successful auction to lower many FirstEnergy bills beginning June 1

COLUMBUS, Ohio – May 29, 2009 – As a result of an auction to serve electricity to FirstEnergy’s Ohio customers, generation rates will be going down for residents beginning June 1, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) said today. FirstEnergy customers will receive messages on their June bills.

“This is good news for customers throughout northern Ohio who will receive the benefits of the recent auction beginning with their June electric bill,” said Consumers’ Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander. “Through our advocacy at the legislature and at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), we have supported efforts to bring customers the lowest prices possible.”

Ohio Edison residential customers using 750 kWh per month will experience an average decrease of approximately 16 percent on an annual basis, with average bills of $100.97 dropping to $84.87 under the new rates.

Toledo Edison residential customers using 750 kWh per month will experience an average decrease of approximately 13 percent on an annual basis, with average bills of $102.93 dropping to $89.74 under the new rates.

For Cleveland Electric Illuminating customers, the significant decrease in generation rates will take effect in June. However, combined with other Cleveland Electric Illuminating rate changes recently approved by the PUCO, the net change will be an approximately 2.7 percent increase in residential customers’ bills on an annual basis. Among the changes were increases in distribution rates in May along with a new Delivery Service Improvement Charge in April. Additionally, Cleveland Electric Illuminating customers – unlike those served by Ohio Edison or Toledo Edison – continue to pay regulatory transition charges but at a reduced level.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC Web site at www.pickocc.org.