PUCO

NOPEC last year dumped its 550,000 customers after energy prices spiked. Now its back with lower cost rates for member communities.

But consumer advocates representing manufacturers and residential electric customers, and staff at a state regulatory agency are pushing back.

Consumer advocates asked for changes to a program meant to keep homes warm even when people can’t pay. But the Ohio Public Utilities Commission denied those requests in their meeting Wednesday.

Those enrolled in Ohio’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus, a public program that promises to cut utility costs for low-income people, may not actually be getting a reduced rate.

An outside law firm working with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on responses to federal subpoenas and public records requests has multiple ties to the law at the heart of the state’s ongoing nuclear bailout corruption scandal.

Documents produced at the end of July shed light on Sam Randazzo’s role at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. But more documents before and after his tenure still haven’t been produced.

Charity groups often depend on utilities for funds to do good works, but rate hikes by those utilities can impose more stress on low-income people the nonprofit groups serve.

The Columbus-based electric utility has been criticized for outages following severe storms during days of extreme heat.

The party wants documents that show any possible connection between Gov. Mike DeWine's administration and the nuclear bailout bribery scandal.

The University of Akron says federal restrictions enacted under the Trump Administration last year means it will have to close its Confucius Institute by next June; Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a bill into law allowing Ohio residents to set off fireworks on certain holidays; consumer advocates are asking the PUCO to reopen one of its audits of Akron-based FirstEnergy; and more stories.