FirstEnergy Corp. is planning to close two Northeast Ohio power plants earlier than initially planned.
The Plain Dealer reports that the utility will close its Eastlake and downtown Cleveland Lake Shore plants this fall, rather than next year.
The move should lower the cost of power in Northeast Ohio because the company has been collecting up to $3.7 million a month to keep the plants ready to generate electricity when needed.
PJM Interconnection — the nonprofit company responsible for maintaining the stability of the grid in Ohio and 12 other states — on Thursday approved the shutdowns a year ahead of schedule.
All 165 employees will be offered jobs at other facilities.