The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has considered explicitly barring utilities from issuing rate increases based on their own lobbying and political expenses. But it has not yet proposed a rule.

Watch our investigation, then tell FERC to get political spending out of utility bills!

Nine states have already taken action to get political spending out of utility bills. But a state-by-state approach could take decades to unwind, given the culture of corruption that is endemic to some state houses. Take West Virginia as an example: Governor Jim Justice stocked the Public Service Commission, which exists to advocate for the public welfare against utilities, with former lobbyists for investor-owned First Energy and coal producers. Governor Justice himself was once a billionaire coal mining business owner. The corruption runs deep.

First Energy was behind a $60 million bribery scandal that led to Ohio’s Speaker of the House being sentenced to 20 years in prison. Recent rate increases suggest that First Energy has passed the related cost of their $230 million fine, along with a foolish business decision to continue to invest in expensive coal production rather than cheaper renewables, on to their customers.

Most ratepayers in West Virginia don’t have an alternative power company that they can switch to, so many of them have found it cheaper to add rooftop solar panels to offset First Energy’s price-gouging. But in its latest rate increase request, First Energy has asked the state to make it more difficult for homeowners to get approval for their own solar panels, creating even less competition!

That’s why federal action is necessary. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has the power to step in and prevent utility price-gouging! Tell them to take action today!