Update: The PUCO swiftly rejected FirstEnergy’s application for rehearing, just weeks after OMAEG opposed it as nothing more than an attempt to stall the appeals of OMAEG and others to the Supreme Court. The PUCO properly found that neither of FirstEnergy’s frivolous justifications for rehearing had merit.

The PUCO agreed with OMAEG that regular reviews of FirstEnergy’s use of funds it receives through the Distribution Modernization Rider (Rider DMR) are necessary to protect customers and ensure proper use of the funds. The PUCO also explained that the issue of whether the PUCO utilizes a third-party monitor to conduct these reviews was inappropriate to raise on rehearing. The PUCO further rejected FirstEnergy’s argument regarding the removal of a fifty-point basis adder, concurring with OMAEG that the issue had already been fully addressed.

The case is ripe for appeal.