Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Contact: Anthony Rodriguez
(614) 466-9547

Ohio Consumers’ Counsel: FirstEnergy Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Program Needs Rehearing

COLUMBUS, Ohio – October 8, 2009 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) will today ask the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to modify its order in the FirstEnergy compact fluorescent light bulb program to allow an open and transparent process to answer the many questions raised previously by the OCC and in recent days by consumers, Gov. Ted Strickland and members of the Ohio General Assembly.

“The OCC shares many of the concerns made by FirstEnergy consumers,” Consumers’ Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander said. “An open and formal process needs to be established to address many of the questions raised about this CFL program.”

Yesterday, the PUCO asked FirstEnergy to postpone its CFL program in order to “thoroughly assess the costs associated with this program.” A formal proceeding, which includes a rehearing of the case, is the next logical progression to address the concerns of all parties, the Consumers’ Counsel said in its legal motion to the PUCO.

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.