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Public speaks out on proposed FirstEnergy increase ranging from 12 percent to 20 percent over 3 years
By Connie Bloom
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Wednesday, Oct 08, 2008
Electric consumers got a chance to grouse about the proposed FirstEnergy rate increase at Firestone High School Tuesday evening.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has estimated the increases could range from 12 percent to 20 percent over three years, with additional cost increases yet to be determined.
The new rates are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.
''If I get any more increases, I'm going to be homeless again,'' said Susan Christopher of Tallmadge before the meeting opened. Homeless in 1989, she has recovered, but still has a lot of medical bills and health concerns. ''There's not enough low-income housing . . . and there's no more money to give.''
The public hearing was the first in a series held by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel. The OCC represents the interests of residential consumers and encouraged FirstEnergy customers to attend.
OCC has said the inflated costs don't reflect the utility's true needs and will be a burden on consumers. FirstEnergy spokeswoman Ellen Raines has countered that the market prices used for the proposed ''Electric Security Plan'' were developed by experts and reflect a projection for market prices in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
That was cold comfort to Paul Cevasco of the Ohio Schools Council based in Independence, representing 249 school districts in the state. He said rate increases would cost his schools $180,000 a year that's not in the budget. His was one of at least three school consortiums to testify about how deeply any further budget cuts would damage the schools. ''It feels like we are bailing out of a sinking boat,'' he said.
Electric consumers got a chance to grouse about the proposed FirstEnergy rate increase at Firestone High School Tuesday evening.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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akron, OH
Posted 07:41 AM, 10/08/2008
every buddy gets an increse accept the middle and lower class income people
Posted 09:23 AM, 10/08/2008
Gas prices going down, electric going up...... we just can't get a break!
Posted 12:31 PM, 10/08/2008
Hey Consumer. You want clean air. You have to pay for it. Being green and cleaning-up the enviroment costs money. It you don't want to pay then shut-up.
Posted 01:01 PM, 10/08/2008
Hey BOB go stick it..... i am entitled to voice my opinion, so you can go stick it!! Don't really understand your comment either, it doesn't say anything about cleaning the enviorment!
Posted 01:37 PM, 10/08/2008
These electric providers are going to start to increase their fees like crazy because everyone is thinking green and being enviormentally aware.
I won't mind paying for the added protection of clean energy if fossil fuels are eliminated as a primary energy source.
However, untill I see that actually happen, I will constantly question increases as just another way of "capitalizing" on the publics' need for clean energy.
akron, oh
Posted 02:15 PM, 10/08/2008
Of course, the ABJ quotes a past homeless person in yet another senational tactic to pull at our collective heartstrings. This is why the ABJ will be out of business is 5 years.
Posted 03:47 PM, 10/08/2008
For the past 10 years prices have gone up and just in the past 5 thay have gone up quickly, with the exception of electricity in states that are regulated in what they can charge for utilities. Within the past few years states have gone to a market based rate in hopes of stirring competition among utilities, thus lowering prices. This never appeared to happen and left consumers at the mercy of utilities, or as you might think. Lets go back to the first sentenance, prices have gone up, FOR EVERYONE! meaning that the fuel prices have gone up for a ton of coal, natural gas, diesel or micro-ounce of nuclear fuel has also increased dramatically! You have not seen thier increase because they are regulated. Now that the utilities are becoming un-regulated the can now charge a market value for the electricity. Oh, buy the way our Goverment has mandated Environmental measures and control on the cheapest way for to generate electricity. Are they needed yes, I believe they are. Yes, this may seem like a bad time for these increase, but if the utilities are going to provide us with the power we so desperately along with the required environmental controls they need to increase prices.
Posted 04:11 PM, 10/08/2008
oh the democrats and obama will save us...
Posted 04:24 PM, 10/08/2008
where is our gov strickland? you think he would put a stop to this rate increase. atleast until are troubled economy gets back on track. his time in office sure has been disapointing to me. i wish i never voted for him......
Posted 07:04 PM, 10/08/2008
Oh beleive me, there is plenty of affordable housing.
These folks must be willing to live where they can afford the rent though.
It took me three months to rent my house in the hood.
Posted 08:45 PM, 10/08/2008
For you people that do not know whats going on,Back in 1976 we pass a rule for the Electric Co to charge a fee for the Nuclear plant.Now that goes off in Jan.And do you think they will give back that part of the bill to you ($36) approx.They will be out that much money,so they will have to make up for that loss fee! and will be able to add for inflation.
Posted 10:44 PM, 10/08/2008
Vicki,
How vain can you be to think my comment was directed directly at you.
For those who want to see why FE is asking for these big rate increases take a ride to the Sammis and Bruce Mansfield plants near East Liverpool. The amount of pollution control equipment being installed is daunting. All I am saying is cleaner power plants and green energy do not come free. But somehow people want it all at no extra cost.
Posted 10:10 AM, 02/19/2009
I bet the Gov. is warm.I am 55 blind cold and sick and live alone. I keep my heat at 62, my water heater is set on lowest so the water is not hot.My house is all eletric(yes i know stupid). My bill for Feb was 373.00 dollars.Heap gave me 173.00 a one lunp for 2009.That hardely helps at all. why cant they get disable and low income a break? While Strickland is in his nice warm home people are freezing! My ele bill is almost as high as my rent!! I am afraid I will soon be homeless . I can not be responsoble and pay my bills when the eletric is so high. Can someone let me know how to help stop the rise in the cost of electric please. Thank you
