Multiple Agencies Seek Bill Language Input
For Ohio utilities, changing the language in your electricity bill can be a headache. Luckily, the process doesn’t directly affect consumers. But there are times when changes in bill language does matter a whole lot. Recently, FirstEnergy Ohio asked the PUCO to change the language in their bill. The change seeks to simplify bills and inform customers. However, three public agencies have complained the changes will hurt consumers. They are: the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC), and the Ohio Energy Leadership Council (OELC). To help FirstEnergy customers know what to expect, we’re going to review those complaints. And then see how FirstEnergy Ohio wants to change their billing language.
What Is In Your FirstEnergy Bill?
FirstEnergy proposed a few changes to their bill. Firstly, they want to move the language for the PTC to the second page. They also want to include a link to their online bill calculator. All this sounds well and good. But there are a few things that are coming under dispute. For instance, removing the instructions for reading a meter dial, and removing local telephone numbers from the bill entirely. As such, the changes have come under scrutiny.
FirstEnergy’s Bill and Language Style
The reason behind the pushback has more to do with the process itself. When PUCO does not respond to bill change requests after 45 days, they are automatically approved. For that reason, the OCC wants to pause the process so the commission can review the changes. The OCC’s request also revealed several major issues with the changes. For one thing, FirstEnergy did not provide an example of a current bill to compare with their proposed changes. Another change removes instructions for reading an analog meter. However, not all homes in Ohio have updated to a digital (AMI) meter and still rely on analog meters. And lastly, some changes leave out local agency phone numbers and provide inaccurate web addresses, including for the OCC.
Slowing Down The Process
The main goal of these complaints is to slow down the process. Of course, this kind of process tends to take forever. But the goal is to keep Ohio electricity consumers from paying too much on their bills. But while bill language reviews shouldn’t take up all PUCO‘s time, such filings still need proper oversight. And when it comes to your bills, they need to comply with Ohio law. The OCC and OELC want PUCO to take the time these changes require. Customers should get the most understandable bill to prevent any misunderstandings and this is a way to ensure that.
With these filings, the changes to your FirstEnergy bill will take while. But you can be sure that they’ll be for the best. We’ll bee keeping you updated on the latest with your electricity bills at www.ohenergyratings.com