OCC Settlement Secures $280 million in Restitution for FirstEnergy Consumers
After Six Years, Consumers’ Counsel Advocacy Secures Major Accountability in House Bill 6 Scandal
After six years of persistent advocacy by OCC and allied parties, the PUCO issued a landmark decision on Nov. 19, 2025, delivering long-overdue accountability for FirstEnergy’s Ohio consumers. In two separate orders addressing the fallout from the HB 6 scandal, the PUCO ruled that FirstEnergy’s Ohio utilities – The Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison, and Toledo Edison – violated Ohio law, PUCO regulations, and prior Commission orders. The PUCO ordered FirstEnergy to pay a combined $250 million in consumer restitution and civil forfeitures.
While the PUCO’s orders represented meaningful accountability, OCC continued to advocate for additional relief. As a result of negotiations led by OCC and other stakeholders, FirstEnergy agreed to a settlement approved by the PUCO in January 2026.
Under that settlement, approximately $280 million will be directly returned to consumers – substantially more than the amount ordered in the original PUCO decisions.
Importantly, approximately $20 million of those funds will be directed to assist low-income Ohioans.
Six years after the scandal first came to light, Ohio consumers are seeing real financial restitution and enforceable reforms. This outcome reflects OCC’s unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency, and protecting utility consumers.
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