Senate Democrats Urge PUCO to Consider FirstEnergy Layoffs During Rate Case

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood), Senate Democratic Whip Kent Smith (D-Euclid), and state Senators Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) and Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) sent a letter to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio urging them to carefully consider the recent FirstEnergy layoffs when evaluating personnel costs in their ongoing rate case.

“As the PUCO is aware, personnel costs are an important component of the rates that customers ultimately pay. With FirstEnergy’s recent workforce reduction, it is imperative that these reductions are accurately reflected in future proposed rates. As the Commission undertakes its review, we urge that you balance the critical priorities of protecting ratepayers from bearing unnecessary costs while also ensuring reliable service,” read the letter.

“While the layoffs have a clear, direct impact on some Ohio FirstEnergy employees, it is important for the Commission to consider whether these layoffs impact service quality and reliability to all FirstEnergy Ohio ratepayers. Reduced staffing levels should not translate into diminished service, slower response times, or compromised safety for Ohio customers. We ask that any rate structure approved by the Commission include safeguards to protect ratepayers from the risk of reduced service due to layoffs.”

FirstEnergy provides service across much of Ohio, including the districts of Leader Antonio, Senator Smith, Senator Hicks-Hudson, and Senator Weinstein. 

Read the full letter here.