AKRON, Ohio — FirstEnergy Corp.’s Ohio electric utilities have reached a settlement in multiple proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), an agreement that will return a total of $275 million to customers across the state if approved by regulators.
The settlement involves FirstEnergy’s Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison and The Illuminating Company and resolves four separate PUCO matters. Those include issues related to corporate separation, Rider DMR, Rider DCR, and a review of political and charitable spending.
In November, the PUCO ordered the utilities to pay $250 million, with $64 million originally designated for the state’s general fund. Under the proposed settlement, the full $250 million would instead be directed to Ohio customers, with an additional $25 million set aside exclusively for residential customers.
According to FirstEnergy, the $250 million would be credited to customer bills in 2026. The additional $25 million would include $20 million earmarked for low-income bill payment assistance, weatherization, and energy efficiency programs.
Torrence Hinton, president of FirstEnergy’s Ohio operations, said the agreement represents a collaborative resolution that benefits customers statewide.
“We appreciate the dedication and collaboration shown by all parties and are grateful for the collective effort that led to an agreement that provides even more dollars to our Ohio customers,” Hinton said. “With these matters reaching resolution, we’re moving ahead with a clear focus on operating with transparency, delivering reliable service and investing in Ohio communities.”
The settlement includes a wide range of parties, including the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, Citizens Utility Board of Ohio, Ohio Environmental Council, Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Energy Group, and multiple energy suppliers and advocacy organizations.
Looking ahead, FirstEnergy said it plans to invest approximately $14 billion in Ohio between 2025 and 2029. The investment is expected to focus on transmission and distribution infrastructure, workforce development, and facility upgrades aimed at improving reliability and supporting economic growth.
FirstEnergy serves more than six million customers across Ohio and five other states and operates one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems. The settlement remains subject to final approval by the PUCO.
