FirstEnergy Hearing Tips

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The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has organized a series of public hearings around the state to hear from Ohioans about their utility's proposed rate plan. This is your chance to speak up for renewable energy and energy efficiency. We know that there will be plenty of other voices at these public hearings, so we want to make sure that the PUCO hears the overwhelming support for clean energy, LOUD AND CLEAR.

Below is a list of the public hearings, and some guidance on how to prepare a statement to share at the hearing.

1. How to Prepare for a Public Hearing

We strongly suggest you take a few minutes to prepare a short statement for your PUCO hearing. Here are some tips for writing a good statement, and click on the documents below to learn more about FirstEnergy’s proposed plan.

TIPS:

Keep your statement short and sweet. 1-3 minutes is more than enough. Click here for tips on how to testify at a public hearing.
Make it personal: Why do YOU care about more renewable energy and energy efficiency for Ohio. Click here for an Environment Ohio fact sheet on FirstEnergy's rate plan.
Feel free to include other information about FirstEnergy's rate plan. Click here for a fact sheet from the Ohio Consumers' Counsel on the FirstEnergy proposed rate hike.

2. Public Hearing Dates and Times

If you haven’t rsvped for a PUCO hearing in your neighborhood, be sure to RSVP by clicking here.

Location	Date	Utility
Springfield Springfield City Hall City Forum, First Floor 26 South Phelps Street	Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.	FirstEnergy
Cleveland Cleveland City Hall Council Chamber, Second Floor 601 Lakeside Avenue	Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 at 12:00 p.m.	FirstEnergy
Cleveland Heights Monticello Middle School Auditorium 3665 Monticello Blvd.	Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.	FirstEnergy
Sandusky Perkins High School Auditorium 3714 Campbell Street	Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.	FirstEnergy
Toledo Michael V. Disalle Government Center One Government Center	Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 at 12:30 p.m.	FirstEnergy
Maumee Gateway Middle School 900 Gibbs Street	Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.	FirstEnergy
Akron Firestone High School Auditorium 333 Rampart Avenue	Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.	FirstEnergy
Austintown (Youngstown) Austintown Middle School 800 South Raccoon Road	Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.	FirstEnergy
Geneva Geneva High School 1301 South Ridge Road East	Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.	FirstEnergy

3. Come to an Environment Ohio sponsored forum to Help You Prepare or to Learn Other Ways You Can Make A Difference

Environment Ohio has joined forces with the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, AARP and other consumer and environmental groups around the state to host a series of public forums. These forums will teach you about your electric utility, their proposed energy rate plan, and their potential energy efficiency and renewable energy plans.

Location	Date	Utility
Cleveland West Side Ecumenical Ministry's Reinberger Auditorium, 5209 Detroit Ave.	September 30, 6:00 p.m.	Cleveland Electric Illuminating

Click here for a PDF version of this information.

4. Other Ways to Make Your Voice Heard

If you are not able to attend a public hearing, you can still write a letter to the PUCO to make your voice heard. Use the information above to draft your letter and make sure to include the Case Number 08-935-EL-SSO on all letters and envelopes. Then send your letter to:

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio,
Attn: Docketing Division
180 E. Broad St.,
Columbus, OH 43215