Governor Strickland Asks PUCO to Halt Light Bulb Program
Ted Strickland has told the Public Utilities Commission to postpone the much talked about light bulb distribution by First Energy. First Energy wanted to charge its customers $21 for two energy saving light bulbs that was met with harsh criticism from outraged customers. Strickland wrote a letter today that stated:
Dear Commissioner Schriber,
I am proud of the work you and your fellow commissioners and staff have accomplished since the passage of S.B. 221, Ohio's comprehensive energy reform bill that ensures predictability of affordable energy prices and serves as a catalyst to enhance energy industries in Ohio. The energy efficiency mandate in this bill is set to reduce our energy consumption and to create jobs in the process.
However, since Tuesday, October 6, my office has received a very high volume of calls as a result of media reports regarding a conservation program to be implemented by First Energy. According to the articles, the PUCO approved a program wherein the First Energy operating companies are to supply customers with two compact florescent light bulbs at a cost of sixty cents per month over three years for a total of $21.60.
Ohioans are confused and angry and are looking for answers. First, the bulb program has been thrust upon them without their approval or prior knowledge. Second, it is my understanding that two bulbs will be provided at a cost in excess of $21.00. It is common knowledge that the efficient bulbs can be purchased for significantly less at popular retail outlets. Third, I am interested to know if there are any U.S. suppliers of these bulbs, or if First Energy had considered the use of bulbs manufactured in the United States.
Since First Energy's program is under the purview of the PUCO, I am asking that you provide to me and members of the General Assembly answers to these questions and more details as to how these programs were developed.
In the mean time, I am asking you to postpone this program until these questions are answered.
I look forward to your immediate response.
Sincerely,
Ted Strickland
Comments
Strickland asked?
First of all, I don't believe he didn't have former knowledge of the program. Come on. Is he "that" out of the loop? And second, he asked. If he was as outraged as we are he would have demanded the program to cease.
Another law slipped through the cracks when we were all sleeping.
Great job Eugmc and Ralph! Rock on.
Greening of the Electric Company
This program is wrong in and of itself. But
Here is the kicker…..They are planning to charge you for the energy you didn’t use! The article in the PD says. I quote, …”$21.60 altogether. That covers the cost of the bulbs ($3.50 each), their delivery and the delivery of the power consumers would have used if they didn’t have them”. Are we all that stupid that we don’t see what is happening here? They are charging for power that didn’t get used!
You heard that right - they are going to CHARGE us for the energy we don't use. Why don't we go get the bulbs are Walmart for $3.50 and save the money ourselves for the energy we don't use? That is what they are doing in Eastern Europe.
Light Bulbs
Keep in mind that florescent light bulbs contain mercury - all do - even the ones considered "green". Do we really want these bulbs being mailed? What about the safety of postal workers? If they are broken, one could be exposed to the mercury. Check it out with OEPA.
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