Does anyone else think that FE is a money-grubbing bunch of losers? Or are they just desperate? See story below.

JBK

FirstEnergy Corp., Ohio's homegrown utility with roots in the state that date to 1930, wants its customers to pay to ensure it stays there.

In the latest twist in a two-year battle for aid, the company has asked regulators to approve as much as $568 million a year for eight years in customer surcharges to compensate for the economic impact of having its headquarters in Akron.

FirstEnergy is among utilities across the U.S. struggling amid flat demand and low power prices bought on by cheap natural gas, and growing supplies of solar and wind energy.

That hasn't swayed manufacturers, consumer advocates and environmental groups who said they were left flabbergasted by the proposed hike.

"When they first told me that was in there, I thought it was a joke," said Eric Burkland, the president of the Ohio Manufacturers' Association, which opposes the fee increase. "From a manufacturing ratepayer's perspective, it's just bizarre."

See full story at:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-29/firstenergy-says-its-headq...