Hearing set on plan for FirstEnergy bulbs

10/16/2009

COLUMBUS — FirstEnergy Corp. will get a chance to shed light on its idea to deliver more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs to customers and charge them for the privilege on their monthly bills.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio set a hearing for Oct. 28 at 1:30 p.m. during which the Akron parent of Toledo Edison and groups representing consumers, industrial users, conservationists, and electricity marketers will weigh in on the program. The hearing will take place in Room 11-E at 180 E. Broad St., Columbus.

FirstEnergy suspended its plans after a public outcry over its plans to deliver 3.75 million of the longer-lasting light bulbs — two 100-watt bulbs for each customer — and charge them 60 cents per month for three years.

The PUCO asked FirstEnergy to delay the program and the company agreed.