Deregulation, Choices, and Your Utility Bill

Posted Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Years ago, there used to be just one gas company and just one electric company. Now rate payers are being forced to choose from among a confusing array of competitors. If it seems as though reliable, understandable information on utility providers is in short supply, you're not alone. Wednesday morning at 9, we'll try to fix that and help you inform your decisions.

Guests

John Funk, Utilities and Energy Reporter, The Plain Dealer
Ryan Lippe, Spokesperson, Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel
Bill Batchelder, (R) Minority Leader, Ohio House of Representatives

Additional Information

How much do you know about your electric bill? Check out this fun quiz!
Office of the Ohio Consumers' Council Natural Gas Comparison Chart
Public Utilities Commission Apples to Apples Rate Comparison Charts

Please follow our community discussion rules when composing your comments.

Mary 10:19 AM 7/29/09

Can you list the websites to compare energy choices that was mentioned on your program.

Robert N. Fronek 9:03 PM 7/29/09

As the President of UWUA Local 270 and an employee of FirstEnergy, I want you to know that you make a difference when you buy products and services made right here in our communities. When you purchase electric generation service from FirstEnergy Solutions, you are supporting thousands of local workers behind their product – from the employees who operate the power plants to the craft and contract workers who provide essential services to them.

Last year, our 13 Ohio power plants generated nearly 50 million megawatt-hours of reliable electricity – enough power to serve about six million homes and businesses. And we paid more than $47 million in state and local taxes. Could someone tell me how much money Florida Power and Light pays in state and local taxes or how many jobs are created in Ohio when we buy our power from Florida Power and Light?

Here’s the best part. FirstEnergy Solutions is offering a great deal. So save some money and support local people – that is a choice I will make every time.