Councilman Brian Kazy Decries FirstEnergy’s Latest Attempt to “Once Again Abuse the Public”

Jan 14, 2026

Urges PUCO to deny FirstEnergy’s request to lower performance standards 

At the Monday, January 12th meeting of Cleveland City Council, Councilman and Chair of the Council’s Utilities Committee Brian Kazy denounced FirstEnergy for its recent request that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) lower state performance standards to allow it to have more frequent power outages and take longer to fix them.

“This is the latest attempt by Ohio’s worst corporate citizen—FirstEnergy—to once again abuse the public,” Kazy said, characterizing FirstEnergy’s request as “…a cruel joke from a company that has repeatedly proven it couldn’t care less about its customers.”

Councilman Kazy questioned FirstEnergy’s stated motivation for its PUCO request.  

“FirstEnergy admits it’s failing Ohioans,” Kazy said, quoting FirstEnergy. “In general, the Companies’ reliability performance has worsened since 2019.”  

“But instead of fixing its problems and improving its performance, FirstEnergy wants Ohio to lower its standards,” Kazy added.

Kazy also focused on the likely impact of the PUCO granting FirstEnergy’s request.

“All of us rely on electricity, but for some, it’s a matter of life and death,” Kazy said. “It’s essential for things like heating, cooling, medical equipment, and refrigeration. Electrical outages can cause spoiled food, unsafe living conditions, disrupted work and school, and serious health risks for our most vulnerable residents. The longer the outage, the greater the risk. Sometimes, people die.”

“FirstEnergy has repeatedly proven that ethics, morality, and the law will never stand in the way of making money at our expense,” Kazy said, reciting what he called FirstEnergy’s “hit parade of abuse” over the last decade.  

Kazy ended his remarks by calling on the PUCO to reject FirstEnergy’s proposal and “demand accountability and a commitment to reliable power for every household and business in Cleveland and Ohio.” He also reiterated his previous demand that the PUCO launch a comprehensive public investigation into the "blue sky" power outages plaguing Barberton, Cleveland, and Lakewood.

Councilman Kazy’s complete statement is attached and may also be viewed on YouTube.

Councilman Kazy’s complete statement is attached and may also be viewed on YouTube.