Ohio Consumers’ Counsel files with PUCO as part of HB 6 probe

By J.P. Blackwood
Public Affairs Liaison
Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) has filed at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) as part of the ongoing consumer investigations into the House Bill 6 scandal. The filing is in reference to an upcoming hearing where OCC will cross-examine four former FirstEnergy officials scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, March 13.

These investigations seek to determine, among other things, whether Ohio consumers unknowingly paid for the $60 plus million bribery scheme.

The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, March 13 at the PUCO offices.

The PUCO has publicly committed to “follow the facts where they lead.” OCC’s filing underscores the need for a process that is open, transparent, and thorough. Here is a link to OCC’s filing: https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/DocumentRecord.aspx?DocID=50c5a898-2bff-46a…

Currently, there are legal maneuvers that could lead to immunity for the former FirstEnergy officials. OCC’s filing raises concerns about a so-called “unopposed” motion allowing these executives to appear at the March 13 hearing by videoconference.

Most importantly, the motion’s claims that the hearing will be “limited in scope,” “narrowly focused” as defined by the former FirstEnergy executives, “uncomplicated,” or “short” are, at best, premature—and, at worst, misleading.

Thursday’s hearing is a crucial step toward securing a court order compelling these former executives to testify.

Here is a statement from Maureen Willis, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel and Agency Director of the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel.
 
Statement Attributable to Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Maureen Willis, Agency Director of the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel: “Consumers deserve to know the truth about the FirstEnergy/House Bill 6 scandal. Answers to consumers are long overdue.”  

What is said in Thursday’s hearing—even as former executives plead the Fifth—will be key to uncovering the full truth behind the scandal. “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” Ohio consumers deserve to hear their testimony.