CRA International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRAI) announced that it will conduct a request‑for‑proposal (RFP) auction to select a supplier for full‑requirements service for all customers enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) program of FirstEnergy Corp.’s Ohio subsidiaries—Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison.
The auction process began with an information session for prospective bidders on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Applications for the PIPP supplier role were accepted from February 19 through March 4, 2026, and bids from registered bidders were due on March 16, 2026. The winning supplier will be obligated to serve the entire PIPP customer base for a 12‑month delivery period running from June 2026 through May 2027. CRA International is acting as the auction manager under the oversight of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
The PIPP program is an income‑based initiative that allows low‑income households to pay a percentage of their household income for gas and electric service, with the state subsidizing the remainder to prevent disconnections. By managing this RFP, CRA International is expanding its footprint in utility procurement and reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner for large‑scale energy contracts. CRA has previously managed similar auctions for FirstEnergy’s Standard Service Offer and Pennsylvania Default Service Program, demonstrating its expertise in auction design, market participation, and regulatory compliance.
From a business perspective, the contract represents a sizable opportunity for CRA International. Securing the PIPP supplier role could add a new revenue stream and diversify the company’s client portfolio, while also showcasing its Energy Practice’s capabilities in auction and market design. The announcement signals CRA International’s continued growth in the energy consulting sector and its ability to secure large utility contracts.
The RFP announcement underscores CRA International’s strategic positioning within the regulated utility market and highlights its role in ensuring energy affordability for vulnerable customer segments through the PIPP program.
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