Utility companies donate money to GOP as energy bill nears

[The Straight Story]

Utility companies donate money to GOP as energy bill nears

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Investor-owned utilities most affected by changes coming in Ohio's $14 billion electric power industry have lavished thousands of dollars on the political campaigns of Republicans who will steer those changes.

Campaign finance records show that the political action committees of FirstEnergy Corp., American Electric Power Co. and Duke Energy have given at least $80,250 to the campaigns of House and Senate leaders and their caucus campaign funds so far this year.

However, the utilities have accomplished little in the energy bill, expected to be voted on by the full Senate on Wednesday. The bill would then go to the House for consideration.

The utilities are trying to get clearance to shop for power on the open market, which they claim is competitive. But Gov. Ted Strickland and some legislative leaders fear sticker shock for consumers if the market dictates what the utilities pay for power. They cite skyrocketing rates, especially in Illinois and Maryland, if regulations are taken off.

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