On December 15, 2009, the FirstEnergy electric distribution utilities (Ohio Edison, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison) filed for approval of their first portfolio plan implementing the energy efficiency and peak demand requirements set forth in Ohio’s landmark energy legislation, more commonly known as Senate Bill 221.  The nearly 700 page filing is available on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s website in Case No. 09-1947-EL-POR, et al -- http://dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?CaseNo=09-1947.  Numerous interested stakeholders have intervened in the case to protect their interests in participating in the dozen or more different energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs available to both residential and non-residential customers in FirstEnergy's filing.  The total estimated cost of FirstEnergy’s comprehensive portfolio plan over its three-year planning (2010-2012) is more than $210 million. 

From a procedural standpoint, a technical conference has been scheduled for January 21, 2010 at the offices of the PUCO to assist interested persons in understanding FirstEnergy's filing.  Motions to intervene, intervenor testimony, and objections to FirstEnergy's plan must be filed by February 16th, while PUCO Staff has until February 23rd to file its testimony.  The evidentiary hearing is scheduled to begin on March 2, 2010 at 10am at the PUCO offices.  For more information about First Energy’s filing or the impact of these programs on your monthly electric bill, please contact Tom O’Brien at 614.227.2335 or tobrien@bricker.com / Matt Warnock at 614.227.2388 or mwarnock@bricker.com.