Ohio Regulators Put Polluters over People

(OHIO – March 31, 2016) Against the recommendation of environmental, consumer, and business advocates, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio today approved subsidy requests from Ohio-based utility giants AEP and FirstEnergy. These bailouts will keep outdated, inefficient power plants afloat for the next eight years at an estimated cost of $6 billion to Ohio customers.

“Today, Ohio regulators showed their loyalties lie with politically powerful polluters rather than the people they are supposed to serve. Instead of encouraging investment in abundant, clean energy solutions, these bailouts subsidize old power plants that are dirtying our air – a terrible deal for Ohioans’ health and wallets. Fortunately, since Ohio regulators refuse to defend fair markets and competition, we’re confident the federal regulators and courts won’t let this harmful decision stand.”

• Jim Marston, Vice President, Clean Energy, Environmental Defense Fund