We conclude that the expense related to the Statewide Evaluator is not a cost component of the FirstEnergy Companies’ individual plans. Rather, it is a cost component of the overall program instituted by the Commission. Accordingly, we find that Met Ed’s, Penelec’s or Penn Power’s cost recovery for their respective shares of the cost for the Statewide Evaluator will not be subject to the 2% cap on the cost of the individual EE&C Plans. c. Consumer Education Outreach Costs (1) Positions of the Parties In the Petition, the Companies that they will conduct a consumer awareness and education campaign. For Penn Power, this campaign will focus on informing customers about opportunities to participate in EE&C programs. For Met Ed and Penelec, this campaign will make people aware of the transition to market-based rates in 2011 and the opportunities for customers to take advantage of EE&C programs to help mitigate the effects of potential increases in customer bills. A share of the first year marketing campaign is included in the Companies’ Plans. In addition, the Companies will utilize the Consumer Education Program approved by the Commission in Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, and Pennsylvania Power Company Consumer Education Plan for 2008-2012 Submitted in Compliance with May 10, 2007, Final Order at Docket No. M-00061957 (entered on May 17, 2007), Docket Nos. M-2008-2032261 (Order entered August 25, 2008), to educate et al. customers about the programs. Petition at 9. The OCA objects to this aspect of the Companies’ The OCA argues that the costs of implementing a consumer education program are costs of implementing
We conclude that the expense related to the Statewide Evaluator is not a cost component of the FirstEnergy Companies’ individual plans. Rather, it is a cost component of the overall program instituted by the Commission. Accordingly, we find that Met Ed’s, Penelec’s or Penn Power’s cost recovery for their respective shares of the cost for the Statewide Evaluator will not be subject to the 2% cap on the cost of the individual EE&C Plans. c. Consumer Education Outreach Costs (1) Positions of the Parties In the Petition, the Companies that they will conduct a consumer awareness and education campaign. For Penn Power, this campaign will focus on informing customers about opportunities to participate in EE&C programs. For Met Ed and Penelec, this campaign will make people aware of the transition to market-based rates in 2011 and the opportunities for customers to take advantage of EE&C programs to help mitigate the effects of potential increases in customer bills. A share of the first year marketing campaign is included in the Companies’ Plans. In addition, the Companies will utilize the Consumer Education Program approved by the Commission in Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, and Pennsylvania Power Company Consumer Education Plan for 2008-2012 Submitted in Compliance with May 10, 2007, Final Order at Docket No. M-00061957 (entered on May 17, 2007), Docket Nos. M-2008-2032261 et al. (Order entered August 25, 2008), to educate customers about the programs. Petition at 9. The OCA objects to this aspect of the Companies’ The OCA argues that the costs of implementing a consumer education program are costs of implementing