Just wondering everyone's thoughts on the most recent actions of First Energy. As an all-electric homeowner for decades, I was extremely shocked to recieve a $500 electric bill, during what I believe is the first true depression in nearly a century.

Now you may ask why I say legitimate vs. criminal, and my answer is simple. First, remember the light bulb fiasco? What was that all about. Then the rate increases on many who have been in a plan forever. I seem to remember many years ago when the discounts for all electric homes started, I believe the electric company encouraged people to go electric, and with their production and the inability to sell outside of the service area, they felt a discounted rate for consumer's to purchase more product was a good idea. Now with deregulating, they can sell product at a premium to other companies throughout the midwest and beyond. The discounted rate now means a loss in revenue, therefore we aren't needed anymore. I compare it to my cell phone bill. I signed a two year contract, after the contract I continued month to month for years. What would you think if suddenly they changed your plan and increased your cost by 200%? Worse yet, what if you had no other options?

I commend Mr. Grendell for his aggressive approach to address the PUCO's inept oversight by allowing the restructuring of FE billing. Many gas users will complain that they have subsidized the discount for years, but the reality is they haven't. In fact we all got screwed with these changes as well because of the increase in cost just to receive electricity (50%). Doesn't matter where you buy, the method for delivering the energy still exists, last month that cost me $189!!

I believe in business and their profitability but wow, I'd love to see my wages increase like the utilities and helathcare!

Don't forget the bonus' the executive's get off the back of the consumers. I wish I could afford to put solar panels on my roof and cut them off.

Ohh.. Grandpaw, I could go on and on on this one. In one month with this increase, our medical insurance increase (because I had a birthday) and homeowners increase I now have to go back to work full time and continue with the pony business on the side.

My electric bill was $250 and then $790. Now, we had bought a corn heating stove a few years back when fuel oil hit the roof. Then if I wanted the bathroom a bit warmer I would use an electric heater. Heck, we even bought a nice electric fireplace for our bedroom. We have now went back to heating with fuel oil..either way we have to come up with an additional $425 a month extra to either fuel oil or First Energy.

BTW, I have a friend on Facebook who lives in Georgia. She pays 0.0097 per KW. I pay 6.9 per KW (I think) I dont have my bill in front of me and I am at work..my point-FIRST ENERGY IS RAPING US! She heats two houses and they are both electric for $250 a month....

Thank Goodness for Grendall.

OUR LAST ELECTRIC BILL WENT UP 300% AND WE ARE ON A FIXED INCOME. I'M LOOKING FOR A JOB NOW.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT SWITCHING TO PROPANE? WOULD'NT HURT TO CHECK INTO IT.

THE EXECUTIVES OF THESE BIG COMPANIES DON'T MIND HOLDING OUT THEIR HAND FOR MORE MONEY AND IF THEY DON'T GET IT THEY THREATEN TO LAY OFF PEOPLE LIKE THE CITY MANAGER IN ASHTABULA. GETTING A RAISE AND STILL GOING TO LAY OFF 10 MORE PEOPLE.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

Here is another thought as well, I have electric base board heating. When my home was built this was a bonus, individual thermostats, etc. Now the cost to change to a new fuel such as gas or propane, would require a completely new system of duct work, cold air returns, etc.

Another thought is how we bail out large business like the airlines, banking and the auto companies, with TAX DOLLARS, and then these same organizations then pass the cost back to the tax payers, for yet another knife in the back. I understand each utility has it's own issue and I am not opposed to increases, just increases that challenge my ability to survive! First Energy demonstrated their corporate greed and for anyone who researches the fact, you'll see that we the electric consumers were used when they needed us, but now we impede their ability to make even more profits!

Criminal. De-regulation has made the consumer slaves to these companies that provide basic needs. This is Capitalism at it's worst, greed as the motivator. I think the government pushed these de-regulations touting that the consumer would have a choice.

I too have an all electric home and no option to convert. It's a slab so no chance to put in a furnace. We heat with a wood burner and only use the electric in the farthest bedrooms. Our bill was a budget $200 year round, all electric discount. It went to $500 in one month actual.

I thought I remembered awhile ago, that they said the all electric discount would no longer be available for new homes, but those that had it would be 'grandfathered in' and would not lose it.

It's a sin what they are doing to us for the almighty buck.

My last electric bill down here came out to 13.3 cents per kilowatt hour. Was paying 10.5 about 6 years ago, and I was paying around 11 or 12 back in 2004 when I lived in Chardon.