Maybe #Ohio should try deregulating its #utilities for real next time RSS Feed

Maybe Ohio should try deregulating its utilities for real next time

Many media outlets reported that FirstEnergy Corp.’s new CEO, Chuck Jones, is calling for “re-regulation” of Ohio’s electric industry. It created quite the buzz.

Jones stated in a recent earnings call that he never called for re-regulation, and that any assertion to the contrary is inaccurate. I believe him.

Though Jones may not be calling for re-regulation, there is no shortage of others who are. But ultimately, this question of whether Ohio should “re-regulate” is moot. For something to be re-regulated, it must first be deregulated. Any close look at the electric rates of Ohio’s investor-owned utilities makes it clear that heavy-handed regulation remains alive and well in the state.

It is not time to re-regulate Ohio’s electric industry. It is time to re-deregulate.

Read full story at Crain’s Cleveland Busienss