News Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Shana Eiselstein
614 | 466 7750
COLUMBUS, OHIO (Nov. 4, 2009) – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today directed FirstEnergy to file an alternative compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb program proposal by Nov. 30, 2009. The Commission also encouraged the company to resume discussions with its energy efficiency collaborative to determine if agreement can be reached on an alternative program.
In issuing its entry today, the Commission stated that the alternative CFL program should describe the specific means by which the light bulbs would be distributed, the ways in which customers would be told of the program benefits and appropriate use of CFLs, steps to avoid or reduce public misunderstanding and the way in which the company will promote the installation and use of the CFLs.
Once FirstEnergy submits its alternative CFL program proposal, intervening parties to the case will have seven days to file their responses on the program. If no response is filed by an intervening party, the Commission will presume that the parties are in agreement with the proposal.
The Commission also granted rehearing for the purpose of further consideration of the issues raised in the proceeding.
FirstEnergy filed its application for approval of its compact fluorescent light bulb program on July 9, 2009. On Sept. 16, 2009, FirstEnergy filed a letter with the PUCO representing that it had reached consensus with all interested parties regarding modifications to the program. On Sept. 23, 2009, the Commission approved the application, as modified.
On Oct. 7, 2009, PUCO Chairman Alan R. Schriber asked FirstEnergy to postpone deployment of its program so that the Commission could address several questions raised by the governor, members of the Ohio General Assembly and FirstEnergy customers related to program details and costs. On Oct. 8, 2009, OCC filed an application for rehearing.
The Commission held oral arguments on Oct. 28, 2009 to provide the Commission with a better understanding of the issues and provide an opportunity to ask questions.
A copy of today’s Commission entry is available at www.PUCO.ohio.gov. Click on the link to the Docketing Information System (DIS) and enter the case number 09-580-EL-EEC.
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09-580-EL-EEC
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