If the PUCO lets FirstEnergy Services advertise before it is certified, that throws the door wide open for future customer fraud and abuse by unstable marketers which will make customers more reluctant to jump into the market, stalling competition before it has a chance to take hold. Shopping for utility service is hard, even with accurate information.
Deceptive ads make it impossible for people to explore all their options.
And, if the PUCO and AG let FirstEnergy and its unregulated affiliates engage in deceptive and apparently unlawful activities, then FirstEnergy and Ohio s other monopoly utilities will get what they ve wanted all along deregulation without competition. Citizen Action is also asking Consumers Counsel Rob Tongren to press the PUCO and Attorney General Betty Montgomery to halt the ads and conduct the investigation of FirstEnergy Services advertising.