COLUMBUS, OHIO (Dec. 30, 2020) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today initiated an audit of FirstEnergy’s distribution modernization rider.
The Commission granted a Sept. 8, 2020 motion by the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel and directed PUCO staff to issue a request for proposal seeking an independent third-party auditor to conduct a review of FirstEnergy’s Ohio utilities’ distribution modernization rider. The request for proposal will be issued in the near future.
“Today the Commission is ordering additional audits of FirstEnergy charges. This is the third such investigation into the utility’s rates or corporate governance underway at the PUCO,” stated PUCO Acting Chair Beth Trombold.
The distribution modernization rider, billed to customers from January 2017 through July 2, 2019, was designed to support the utilities’ efforts to pursue grid modernization investments.
Two separate PUCO proceedings regarding political and charitable spending by FirstEnergy’s Ohio electric distribution utilities, and a review of the utilities’ compliance with Ohio’s corporate separation laws remain ongoing.
The PUCO has jurisdiction over FirstEnergy’s three electric distribution utilities: Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison, and Toledo Edison.
In other business, the Commission today vacated its August 2020 entry establishing the Clean Air Rider pursuant to Ohio law, as directed by the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
A copy of today’s commission entry is available on the PUCO’s website www.PUCO.ohio.gov by clicking on the link to Docketing Information System and searching for case 17-2474-EL-RDR.
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