Fraud and corruption on rise at U.S. utilities in Ohio and elsewhere, threatening energy transition

On Feb. 12, Ohio Attorney General David Yost accused two power company executives of attempting to “hijack” state electricity policy for their own corrupt ends by bribing an energy regulator with over $4.3 million. The executives are accused of trying to bilk $1.2 billion from electricity customers on behalf of their former employer, FirstEnergy.   

Flanked by sheriffs and attorneys, the grim-faced Yost said the charges are just the latest indictments in an ongoing criminal probe into the lobbying practices of Ohio power companies. 

Randazzo had been indicted previously by the U.S. Department of Justice,...