Judge Allows Jury to Hear About HB 6's Impact on Electric Bills in FirstEnergy Bribery Trial

Prosecutors can present evidence showing electricity rate spikes due to the scandal, but cannot directly tell jurors their rates went up.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In the trial of former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and top lobbyist Michael Dowling, a judge has ruled that prosecutors can present evidence showing how the House Bill 6 scandal led to spikes in electricity rates for customers. However, the judge prohibited prosecutors from directly telling jurors that their rates increased. The judge also made other rulings limiting what evidence can be presented in the case.

Why it matters

The judge's rulings are significant because they allow prosecutors to establish a motive for the alleged $4.3 million bribe paid to former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Sam Randazzo. Prosecutors argue the bribe helped push through HB 6, which provided a $1.3 billion ratepayer bailout to two aging nuclear power plants owned by a FirstEnergy subsidiary, leading to higher electricity bills.

The details

Summit County Common Pleas Judge Susan Baker Ross made the rulings late Friday as the trial of Jones and Dowling headed into its second week. Prosecutors had argued the rate increase evidence was crucial to their case, while the defense sought to limit what the jury could hear about the impact of HB 6. The judge also prohibited prosecutors from directly telling jurors the number of defense attorneys representing Jones and Dowling, and left several other issues to be decided based on trial evidence.

  • The trial of former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and top lobbyist Michael Dowling entered its second week on Monday.
  • FirstEnergy agreed to pay $275 million in restitution and penalties over its role in HB 6 last month.

The players

Chuck Jones

Former CEO of FirstEnergy, on trial for alleged bribery.

Michael Dowling

Former top lobbyist for FirstEnergy, on trial for alleged bribery.

Sam Randazzo

Former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, charged in the case but took his own life in 2024.

Matthew Meyer

Assistant Ohio Attorney General prosecuting the case.

Susan Baker Ross

Summit County Common Pleas Judge presiding over the trial.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.