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Barberton council condemns FirstEnergy reliability, seeks $100 credit for residential ratepayers

5501361 · July 29, 2025

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Summary

Council adopted a resolution criticizing FirstEnergy's reliability and distribution service and asked the utility to provide a $100 credit to Barberton residential customers; council members also praised linemen working in the city.

Barberton City Council on Monday adopted a resolution condemning what the resolution terms inadequate reliability by FirstEnergy and asked the utility to provide a $100 credit to the city’s residential ratepayers.

The resolution (100-2025) describes concerns about reliability of service and distribution and, after suspension of the normal procedural rule, the council adopted the resolution by roll call vote. Councilman Griffin presented the resolution; councilman Heideck used his remarks to sharply criticize corporate decisions at the utility and said the Ohio Consumers' Counsel had petitioned PUCO to make its investigation public. Councilwoman Hager thanked field linemen she observed working at a substation and said council appreciates the crews working on repairs.

Council did not set a binding requirement on FirstEnergy; the resolution is a formal public statement and request asking for a $100 credit to residential ratepayers. The resolution includes an emergency clause so the council's statement and request could be issued immediately.

What happens next: the resolution is a public request; the city may pursue further conversations with the utility and support county or state investigative steps. Council members asked staff to monitor developments and communications with FirstEnergy and regulating bodies.