Rep. Brennan Joins Bipartisan Lawmakers Urging PUCO to Reject FirstEnergy Request to Weaken Reliability Standards

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) last week joined a bipartisan coalition of Ohio House members in calling on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reject FirstEnergy's request to weaken electric reliability standards that would allow longer and more frequent power outages.

In a letter sent Wednesday to PUCO Chairwoman Jenifer French regarding Case No. 24-1112-EL-ESS, lawmakers urged regulators to protect Ohio families, businesses, and critical infrastructure from reduced service expectations.

"Reliable electricity is not optional - it is essential to public safety, economic stability, and everyday life," said Rep. Brennan. "Ohioans have already paid billions for grid modernization and infrastructure upgrades. Asking families and small businesses to accept more blackouts instead of real accountability is simply unacceptable."

The bipartisan letter, signed by 19 members of the House Energy Committee, emphasizes that utility customers have funded decades of investments intended to strengthen Ohio's electric grid. Lawmakers argue that lowering performance standards would shift the burden of grid challenges onto consumers - resulting in lost income, spoiled food, business interruptions, and increased health and safety risks.

Rep. Brennan highlighted the importance of maintaining strong oversight and consumer protections as Ohio's economy becomes increasingly electrified.

"Our state's economic future depends on dependable power," continued Rep. Brennan. "The solution to grid challenges is smart investment, responsible planning, and utility accountability - not lowering the bar and normalizing outages."

The lawmakers also pointed to the Ohio Legislature's recent passage of House Bill 15, which reinforced grid reliability as a top priority in electric ratemaking reform.

"This issue should not be partisan," added Rep. Brennan. "Whether you live in Parma, Columbus, or rural Ohio, everyone deserves reliable electric service. I'm proud to stand with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to defend Ohio consumers and demand better performance from our utilities."

The letter urges PUCO to deny FirstEnergy's proposal and continue prioritizing transparency, accountability, and strong consumer protections.