PUCO launches, then delays Firstenergy probe
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio launched its first probe into former Chairman Sam Randazzo’s ties to Akron-based Firstenergy companies – but it was immediately placed on hold.
The regulator, which is tasked with overseeing Ohio’s utilities, announced Wednesday that it would expand an audit of Firstenergy’s companies to include a contract the company entered into with Randazzo.
Randazzo and his companies received $22 million from Firstenergy between 2010 and early 2019. About $4.3 million was paid shortly before Gov. Mike Dewine appointed Randazzo to lead the commission.
But Firstenergy companies never reported the contract to the commission in 2015 or 2016. State law requires the business to disclose “side agreements” when requested by groups like the Ohio Consumers’ Council. Firstenergy’s companies could be fined as much as $10,000 per day for the violation.
The expanded audit marks the first time the commission has delved into Randazzo’s Firstenergy connections, whether in the past or in his role as chairman.
But the probe into Randazzo’s Firstenergy contract won’t start now. The commission doesn’t want to interfere with the federal bribery investigation or
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s lawsuit so the audit will begin at some undetermined point in the future.
“These investigations complement, but do not seek to supplant, the ongoing criminal investigation by the United States Attorney and the civil action by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost pursuant to Ohio’s civil RICO statute,” according to the filing.
Democrats and environmental groups have criticized the commission for its lack of action in investigating Randazzo’s ties to Firstenergy.
Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.