State Representative David Thomas Applauds PUCO Decision Protecting Ohio Electric Reliability Standards

State Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson) applauded the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's (PUCO) decision to reject FirstEnergy's request to weaken Ohio's electric reliability standards, preserving existing expectations for power restoration and service reliability for customers across the state.

Earlier this year, Representative Thomas joined Representative Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) in leading a bipartisan coalition of 17 other lawmakers that sent a letter to the PUCO urging them to deny FirstEnergy's proposal, arguing that Ohio consumers should not bear the burden of reduced service expectations after years of paying for investments in the electric grid.

"It was telling that nearly every member of the Energy Committee in the House signed onto our letter and made a strong statement against relaxing these standards," said Representative David Thomas.

FirstEnergy had requested changes that would have allowed its electric distribution companies to take longer to restore power following outages and, in some circumstances, permit more frequent outages before violating Ohio's reliability standards.

Representative Thomas noted that reliable electric service is critical for homeowners, businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and public safety agencies throughout Ohio.

Thomas said, "This is a bipartisan issue that I hear about from residents all the time, and the number is growing. We must make our grid stronger, not weaken the standards."

Representative Thomas remains committed to supporting policies that protect ratepayers and support reliable energy generation and standards.