Settlement offer would give $275 million to FirstEnergy customers to end HB 6 probes

FirstEnergy’s Ohio utility companies – Ohio Edison, Cleveland Electric Illuminating, and Toledo Edison – have proposed a $275 million settlement to provide restitution to customers, aiming to resolve investigations stemming from the passage of House Bill 6 and associated regulatory violations. The proposed stipulation, filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), would conclude four major commission investigations and several related complaints if approved. This agreement builds upon a previous tentative settlement in November, increasing the total restitution by $25 million and ensuring all funds are directed to customers, unlike the prior plan to split fines between customers and the state.

The $275 million will be allocated to customer electricity bill refunds, with $10 million dedicated to home weatherization programs for energy efficiency and another $10 million for bill assistance. Maureen Willis, director of the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, stated the settlement prevents consumers from bearing the cost of corporate misconduct, providing “real relief to families struggling with high energy costs.” The PUCO will review the stipulation at its next meeting in January 2026, after which the agreement will become final.

(Source：Cleveland)