Rep. Brennan Delivers Emotional Testimony at PUCO Hearing, Reads Parma Councilwoman's Letter into the Record Opposing FirstEnergy Proposal

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) last week testified at an evidentiary hearing before a judge at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), urging rejection of a proposal from FirstEnergy that would weaken electric reliability standards for Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Cleveland Edison, and Toledo Edison.

FirstEnergy is seeking permission to extend the average time it takes to restore power following outages and, in some cases, increase the number of allowable outages per year. The company has acknowledged in filings that its reliability performance has declined in recent years.

During the hearing, Rep. Brennan spoke about the impact of prolonged outages on vulnerable residents in his district and became emotional while describing their circumstances.

“There are moments in public service when policy becomes personal,” said Rep. Brennan. “I got emotional when speaking about some of my seniors and wheelchair-bound residents who depend on medical equipment and elevators for their health and safety. When the power goes out, it is not an inconvenience for them - it is a threat.”

Rep. Brennan formally read into the hearing record a letter from Parma Councilwoman Deborah Lime detailing how extended outages have affected elderly and disabled residents, particularly those living in multi-story residential buildings who rely on elevators and powered medical equipment. The letter urged regulators to maintain strong reliability standards and reject any proposal that would normalize longer or more frequent outages.

“As elected officials, our first obligation is to protect the health and safety of our residents,” concluded Rep. Brennan. “Lowering reliability standards because a company has struggled to meet them sends the wrong message. Ohioans have invested heavily in grid improvements. They deserve accountability and measurable results - not a reduced standard.”

The matter remains pending before the Commission following the evidentiary phase of the case. 

EDITORS NOTE: Both letters are attached here and here. Courtesy: Rep. Brennan’s office