Kucinich Files Complaint To Revoke FirstEnergy's Operating License
The following is a press release from August 20, 2003, by Kucinich's office in Congress
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Kucinich Files Complaint To Revoke FirstEnergy's Operating License
In response to FirstEnergy's long history of management failures and reported role in last week's blackout, Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH) filed a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today to revoke FirstEnergy Corp. license to operate in Northeast Ohio.
"It is clear that FirstEnergy is a monopoly that has not effectively served the residents of Northeast Ohio," stated Kucinich. "It is because of its long history of mismanagement and neglect that today I have asked PUCO to revoke its license to operate in Ohio."
The 10-page complaint, filed today in Columbus, cites multiple violations of federal and state regulations, as well as 'Enron-like' accounting, as the reason that FirstEnergy is not suitable or capable to serve the residents of Northeast Ohio.
"As a result of deregulation, FirstEnergy, like many power companies has been driven by a motivation to put profit above the public interest," stated Kucinich. "This culture, has led to a lack of maintenance and deterioration of their infrastructure. These factors, not new to FirstEnergy, appear to have played a major role in last week's blackout that caused 50 million people to lose power."
"While financially unstable and unreliable in the delivery of service, FirstEnergy has some of the highest rates in all of Ohio," continued Kucinich. "Enough is enough. FirstEnergy has failed Ohio too many times. It is time to end the failed monopoly of FirstEnergy. It is time for the PUCO to allow another utility company, with a better track record, to serve the people of Ohio. Ohioans deserve more than FirstEnergy is giving them."
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