An outside look-see at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio when it was led by Sam Randazzo, a regulator paid millions by FirstEnergy Corp. in what prosecutors assert was a scheme to deliver legislative and regulatory benefits to the Akron-based firm, is essential if regulators want to ensure consumer confidence in how the state oversees electric, gas and telephone companies.
Also needing independent review is a related agency, the Ohio Power Siting Board, whose curious actions under now-departed Randazzo dealing with a proposed wind energy plant in Lake Erie, off Cleveland, also call for a deeper look.