FirstEnergy plans to go forward with voluntary light-bulb giveaway

COLUMBUS (AP) — An Ohio utility criticized for the passing on to customers the cost of a mandatory light-bulb giveaway program is proposing a voluntary program instead.

Akron-based FirstEnergy says the change will accommodate customers who do not want to receive the energy-efficient bulbs but warns it will increase costs of the bulb distribution program.

FirstEnergy suspended the bulb distribution earlier this month after consumers complained about the details and the $21.60 cost.

The voluntary program would take place over two years instead of the five weeks this fall the company originally planned for.

Art Korkosz, a FirstEnergy lawyer, says in remarks prepared for state regulators that the longer rollout also means the company can’t meet 2009 energy-efficiency standards.