Two former FirstEnergy executives pleaded not guilty this week to expanded charges tied to the House Bill 6 bribery scandal, another reminder of the damage caused when utility-driven energy policy is allowed to overrun customer protection. The case underscores why the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) continues to warn lawmakers against utility-driven proposals that shift risk onto customers.

“House Bill 6 was not just a scandal. It was a warning,” said OMA President Ryan Augsburger. “Ohio should have learned that customer-funded utility schemes do not become good policy just because they are sold as reliability or reform. Whether the ask is a bailout, a forecast, a tariff or some new charge hidden inside a complex bill, OMA will keep fighting to make sure customers are protected first.”

OMA has repeatedly warned policymakers when utility-driven energy policy puts customers at risk. As lawmakers continue debating Ohio’s energy future, OMA will keep pushing for policy grounded in verified demand, cost causation and real customer protection, not utility wish lists. 6/11/2026