COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has approved an unopposed settlement that significantly increases the amount of money FirstEnergy’s Ohio utilities must return to customers as part of the ongoing House Bill 6 investigations.
The decision, issued Wednesday, builds on PUCO’s Nov. 19, 2025 orders that found FirstEnergy subsidiaries violated Ohio law, PUCO regulations, and prior commission orders. Rather than imposing additional civil forfeitures, the commission opted to increase direct monetary restitution to customers.
Under the settlement, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, and The Toledo Edison Company will provide $249 million in restitution to customers over three billing periods. The utilities will also contribute $20 million to support low-income assistance programs across the state.
In addition, the companies will refund $6.6 million, plus approximately $6.2 million in interest, for improper charges, and will pay $5 million in restitution to the Retail Energy Supply Association for violations related to corporate separation rules.
As part of the agreement, all parties will withdraw pending rehearing requests, formally concluding PUCO’s investigations tied to FirstEnergy and House Bill 6.
“This order brings finality to these four cases and, most importantly, returns these dollars to the FirstEnergy customers,” PUCO Chair Jenifer French said in a statement.
The settlement closes multiple cases tied to one of Ohio’s most significant public utility scandals in recent history. Additional background on the investigations, audits, and timelines is available through PUCO’s House Bill 6 information page. The full opinion and order can be accessed via the PUCO Docketing Information System.
PUCO is Ohio’s sole utility regulator, tasked with ensuring residents and businesses have access to safe, reliable utility service at fair prices. Consumers with utility-related concerns can contact the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826).
