The commission found that FirstEnergy improperly charged ratepayers for expenses linked to political activities and regulatory misconduct, including payments tied to the $60 million bribery scheme that fueled the 2019 passage of H.B. 6. The now-notorious law funneled subsidies to two nuclear plants formerly owned by a FirstEnergy subsidiary and became the focal point of a sweeping federal corruption case.
Under PUCO’s order, FirstEnergy must refund millions to customers through credits on upcoming utility bills while also paying significant civil penalties. The commission also directed the company to tighten its compliance procedures and submit to enhanced audits to ensure transparency in future rate cases.
PUCO Chair Jenifer French said the ruling aims to “restore trust in Ohio’s utility system and ensure ratepayers are not footing the bill for corporate corruption.” FirstEnergy officials stated they accepted the decision and intended to comply fully, calling it a “step toward rebuilding credibility with customers and regulators.”
The H.B. 6 scandal continues to shape Ohio’s political and energy landscape. Former House Speaker Larry Householder and former Ohio Republican Party Chair Matt Borges were convicted in federal court for their roles in the scheme, while FirstEnergy previously entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, admitting to bribery-related misconduct and paying a $230 million federal fine.
The PUCO’s latest order brings another layer of accountability as Ohio regulators seek to close one of the state’s largest corruption chapters and rebuild public confidence in the utility system.