Power company FirstEnergy Corp. wants more time to explain to state regulators how it would manage a new energy-efficient light bulb program.

The company's initial plan sparked a public backlash in October. Akron-based FirstEnergy wanted to charge customers 60 cents a month for three years — for a total of $21.60 — for the cost and distribution of two compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Now the company is seeking an extension on a Monday deadline set by regulators to explain what sort of program it has worked out with critics. FirstEnergy wants another month to work the light bulb program into a three-year conservation plan it will file by Dec. 31.

Critics are unhappy with the company's request for an extension. Anthony Rodriguez, a spokesman for the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, says submitting the plan on time will reduce costs for consumers.

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Information from: The Plain Dealer, http://www.cleveland.com