Some mercantile customers of FirstEnergy in Ohio can avoid paying a new charge (called the DSE2 charge) by putting energy efficiency programs in place. The proposed rates for this charge have not yet been approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). The charge will start small but grow over time as the energy efficiency mandates imposed on the utilities by a 2008 state law increase in each of the next 15 years. Contact us if you want to know more about applying for exemption from this charge.
Mike Brakey was quoted in a June 21st Crain’s Cleveland Business article by Chuck Soder regarding this opportunity:
Mike Brakey, principal of energy consulting firm Brakey Energy of Shaker Heights, expects the fee to become a sizable part of customers’ energy bills.
“It could vastly drive up costs for everyone,” Mr. Brakey said.
