Governor asks First Energy to stop light bulb program…
Governor Calls for Postponement of First Energy Light Bulb Program
Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following letter requesting the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio postpone First Energy’s light bulb program:
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 man date 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
Hmmm, this sounds like a left wing scam. Kudos to the gov, on this one.
October 7th, 2009 at 8:41 pmFox Toledo has more on the story
October 7th, 2009 at 8:59 pmI’m glad that this program is getting a second look. Personally, I have already changed over all the fixtures that I could to the CFL’s so, if the longevity claims are true, I won’t need new ones for 5 or more years. I really don’t like the idea of having to pay for these “gift” bulbs, even if it is over time & part of the rates.
Also, I know a few elderly people who do not like nor do they trust the CFL bulbs and they will not use the “free” ones.
I think that there should be some sort of an opt-out feature.
It may be too late to stop the program; we will have to see how things work out.
October 7th, 2009 at 11:11 pmWell, a big NO THANK YOU, NOW BUZZ OFF to Toledo Edison for this program. Definitely not interested in paying for overpriced lightbulbs. Here’s a “bright idea” for the braintrusts that came up with this program–YOU work on providing reliable service at reasonable rates, and WE will buy our own lightbulbs.
Thank you, and good night!
October 7th, 2009 at 11:29 pmWow- This is the equivalent to buying a $400.00 television from Rent-a-Center and only having to pay $1500.00 for it. No Thanks, I’ll buy my own bulbs.
October 8th, 2009 at 7:49 amWhoever came up with…reviewed…and approved this idea should be deported to Denmark.
I will notify First Energy in advance that my fee for storage and safekeeping of their bulbs will be $1.00/month….payable in advance.
How does one spell: stukonstupid?
October 8th, 2009 at 8:57 amSorry….my system burped when I “submitted”…
October 8th, 2009 at 9:16 amTom, it wasn’t you, it’s the glitch in the blog load time that creates double and at times triple posts.
October 8th, 2009 at 9:39 amBoo…Boo Glitch…..Boo
October 8th, 2009 at 11:18 amI can buy my own light bulbs I don’t want the ones from First Energy.
October 8th, 2009 at 2:28 pmDoes anyone else see a trend here. We elected democratic governors and a prez because we were tired of republicans.
First thing that happens is we are told (from the federal level) that we will be forced to buy health insurance – which we all would have done years ago if we didn’t need to eat and pay rent and utilities). If we don’t buy the health insurance, we will be fined $3800 (this gets almost no play in the media).
NOW they are going to force us to buy light bulbs. And controversial light bulbs at that, containing mercury, if my info is correct.
So, following this logic or trend or whatever it is… what is the next product we will be forced to buy? It’s unconstitutional for one thing, and the forced insurance scam is probably going to be tested with a court case. But where does this forcing us to buy stuff with our own money – unfunded mandates, if you will – where does this stop.
and p.s. – Edison did this AFTER the end date for opting out of the alternate suppliers deal. I stayed with Edison.
Oh well, am moving out of this idiotic state soon.
October 8th, 2009 at 3:23 pmIn conversations, I often hear Edison described as “Imperial” in it’s existence and domination of the general area. Columbia Gas gets equal time with the Water Department clammering for it’s share of the pie. The Utilities firmly believe they control our universe. They believe that without them we would be freezing in the dark.
While it’s true they have our “need” as their control button, the forget that the world is full of other utility providers that would love a crack at our business. In unrealistic terms, everyone could simply stop paying them at all, within a short while, they would be out of business. Then, other providers would come in and buy them out. Insane really
This light bulb thing is a horrid idea. Free is fine, but I won’t be forced to purchase something. If they manage to get this through and the bulbs show up at my home, they will be returned.
October 8th, 2009 at 5:06 pmI JUST BOUGHT 12 OF THESE NEW TYPE BULBS FROM LOWES FOR 22.OO INCLUDING TAX. THIS IS NOTHING BUT NEO-CON CORPORATE GREED.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:51 pmI WILL REFUSE MINE AT THE DOOR
October 8th, 2009 at 11:55 pmMichael,
October 9th, 2009 at 6:28 amReports say this decision was made because the energy companies were ordered to reduce usage and consumption. Don’t blame corporate greed, they would want us to use as much energy as possible, that is what they are REALLY selling for profit. Blame the liberal government that is trying to make everything green.
Good point Doug. This is another tax by big, greedy, socialist government. Always with their hands in our pocket.
October 9th, 2009 at 6:56 amSome of you are so witty! #6 Tom wins my vote with the storage and safekeeping fee! I am with you Tom!
October 9th, 2009 at 11:06 pmFIRST ENERGY > The money grubing Company .
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:26 pmThey dont even take of their own workers , or their retired workers. , why should you think they would take care of their coustomers . Your pockets are to deep , their only trying to help themselfs !