FirstEnergy CEO takes national stage; says regulatory challenges and mandates make it difficult for electric industry

News
April 8, 2014
Betty Lin-Fisher
 
FirstEnergy is supporting a proposal in the Ohio Senate that would suspend indefinitely meeting mandated energy efficiency targets in the next decade.
 
Mandates passed in 2008 began requiring 25 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable and advanced sources by 2025 and for electricity demand to decline 22 percent.
 
Advocates say the efforts have been a cost-effective way to reduce electricity use.
 
Opponents say they add to consumer bills. Alexander said Ohio’s industrial customers are paying more.
...
In his remarks, Alexander said, “The challenges we now face from government interference in the electric business are far more intrusive and disruptive, and I believe far more significant to our industry’s future, and to your future. That’s because whether it impacts our traditional regulated business or our competitive operations, government policy is now aimed at stifling the growth and use of electricity — and picking winners and losers in the competitive marketplace.”
...
“But, perhaps more important, we need to develop a national energy plan that will allow us to take advantage of our vast supply of domestically produced resources — both coal and natural gas — and our superior electric system to stimulate and support our economy,” he said.
 
Read the full article at Akron Beacon Journal.