FirstEnergy Corp. has abandoned its behind-the-scene lobbying campaign to persuade lawmakers to gut a four-year-old law requiring utilities to help customers use less electricity by switching to energy efficient equipment and lighting.
At least a dozen energy efficiency advocates, environmentalists and other groups have been waging a public battle to stop FirstEnergy's bid to change the law.
Todd Schneider, spokesman for the Akron-based power company, confirmed the company's decision on Wednesday but would not rule out a future attempt by the utility.
"We remain concerned that Ohio's energy efficiency mandates will continue to impose significant costs on electric customers - costs that we all pay, directly and indirectly," FirstEnergy said in a statement.

Read more here, including quotes from AEE Ohio's Steve Caminati.