It never sat well with First Energy customers. A plan to give each residential customer two low energy light bulbs, but to bill them more than twice their cost in electric bills. Responding to howls of protest from citizens and lawmakers, Governor Ted Strickland on Wednesday sent this letter to the Pulbic Utilities Commission:
Dear Commissioner Schriber,
I am proud of the work you and your fellow commissioners and staff have accomplished since the passage of S.B. 221, Ohio's comprehensive energy reform bill that ensures predictability of affordable energy prices and serves as a catalyst to enhance energy industries in Ohio. The energy efficiency mandate in this bill is set to reduce our energy consumption and to create jobs in the process.
However, since Tuesday, October 6, my office has received a very high volume of calls as a result of media reports regarding a conservation program to be implemented by First Energy. According to the articles, the PUCO approved a program wherein the First Energy operating companies are to supply customers with two compact florescent light bulbs at a cost of sixty cents per month over three years for a total of $21.60.
Ohioans are confused and angry and are looking for answers. First, the bulb program has been thrust upon them without their approval or prior knowledge. Second, it is my understanding that two bulbs will be provided at a cost in excess of $21.00. It is common knowledge that the efficient bulbs can be purchased for significantly less at popular retail outlets. Third, I am interested to know if there are any U.S. suppliers of these bulbs, or if First Energy had considered the use of bulbs manufactured in the United States.
Since First Energy's program is under the purview of the PUCO, I am asking that you provide to me and members of the General Assembly answers to these questions and more details as to how these programs were developed.
In the mean time, I am asking you to postpone this program until these questions are answered.
I look forward to your immediate response.
Sincerely,
Ted Strickland
