Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

News Release

Nation's utility consumer advocates name new leadershipNov. 19, 2009
New leadership for the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates was elected at the group's annual meeting Nov. 15-18 in Chicago. Ohio Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander was elected to the position of secretary.
Duke consumers to be asked to pay for smart grid without assurance of useful benefitsNov. 19, 2009
A Duke Energy Ohio settlement was filed today to cover the costs of the first phase of Duke's smart grid plan. The OCC did not sign the settlement, citing a lack of assurances about when residential consumers will be able to benefit.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel helps develop additional cost-effective energy efficiency programs for AEP customersNov. 13, 2009
The Ohio Consumers' Counsel has come to agreement with American Electric Power on several cost-effective programs that will expand the utility's energy efficiency portfolio through 2011.
Changes to Ohio's green energy rules make for bad lawNov. 13, 2009
Changes made to energy efficiency and renewable energy rules were made in secret, violate the law and will lower investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy, the Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates said in its application for rehearing filed today with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel Midgen-Ostrander Receives 2010 Inspiring Efficiency Award for LeadershipNov. 10, 2009
Ohio Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander has been honored by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance with the Inspiring Efficiency LEADERSHIP Award.
Consumer advocates to testify against telephone deregulation billNov. 10, 2009
Testimony scheduled to be given by consumer advocates at the Ohio Statehouse will show that House Bill 276 - legislation drafted by the telephone industry - provides benefits to local telephone companies at the expense of consumers.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel files new appeal of AEP case at Supreme CourtNov. 06, 2009
The OCC is back in court trying to stop American Electric Power (AEP) from collecting hundreds of millions of dollars in unlawful rate increases. The consumer advocate filed a new appeal of the company's rate plan with the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel disappointed at dismissal of AEP rate case appeal, will continue to fight against increaseOct. 29, 2009
The OCC will continue to advocate for residential consumers of American Electric Power despite a decision today by the Supreme Court of Ohio. The Court dismissed an OCC appeal and a request to stop rate increases.
Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel Names Amy Gomberg Legislative DirectorOct. 27, 2009
Amy Gomberg has been named director of legislative and governmental affairs for the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate.
Consumers' Counsel seeks Supreme Court action to push PUCO action in AEP caseOct. 23, 2009
The OCC asks the Supreme Court of Ohio to direct state regulators to issue a decision in American Electric Power's rate plan case. This directive would allow appeals of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's March 2009 rate plan decision to be heard at the Court.
Consumer advocates launch effort to defeat telephone industry's legislationOct. 23, 2009
A diverse group of consumer advocates join as Ohioans Protecting Telephone Consumers to call for the defeat of deregulation legislation that allows rate increases for basic telephone services, weakens consumer protections and lowers service quality standards.
Consumer groups unite to oppose telephone industry's legislation that deregulates service and scales back consumer protectionsOct. 22, 2009
A diverse group of consumer advocates, together as Ohioans Protecting Telephone Consumers (OPTC), will call for the defeat of legislation - Senate Bill 162 and House Bill 276 at a press conference at the Ohio Statehouse. The legislation allows rate increases for basic telephone services, weakens consumer protections and lowers telephone service quality standards.
Retailer will pay forfeiture, allow customers to cancel agreement without penaltyOct. 14, 2009
A retail natural gas marketer will pay a $50,000 forfeiture as part of an order issued today by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). The decision followed an agreement announced earlier among the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), staff of the PUCO and Dominion East Ohio Energy (DEOE) resolving a complaint filed by the state utility consumer advocate.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel: FirstEnergy Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb Program Needs RehearingOct. 08, 2009
The Ohio Consumers' Counsel today asked the PUCO to modify its decision on the FirstEnergy compact fluorescent light bulb program to allow and open and transparent process.
As cold weather approaches, OCC reminds consumers of utility payment optionsOct. 06, 2009
Almost 11 percent of Ohio households were faced with loss of gas or electric utility services in the past year due to non-payment of their bills. With applications for bill-paying assistance expected to increase, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) reminds customers of several options to stay connected to their utility services this winter.
Consumer advocates: Telephone legislation strips consumer protectionsSep. 29, 2009
In response to hearings being held today in the Ohio General Assembly, a group of advocacy organizations - including the OCC - said legislation to deregulate local telephone service throughout the state will hurt consumers.
Dominion East Ohio Energy accepts $50,000 forfeiture to settle postcard dispute with OCC and PUCO staffSep. 24, 2009
Dominion East Ohio Energy has agreed to a $50,000 forfeiture as part of agreement with the OCC and the staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. If approved by the PUCO the settlement will resolve a complaint filed by the OCC in March.
Consumers' Counsel seeks Supreme Court stay to protect AEP customers from retroactive rate increasesSep. 22, 2009
The OCC wants Ohio's top court to stop the collection of a retroactive increase in electric rates for customers of American Electric Power.
OCC urges Frontier and Verizon customers to testify at additional PUCO local public hearingsSep. 17, 2009
The OCC encourages telephone consumers of Frontier and Verizon to attend and testify at newly-scheduled additional local public hearings in Troy, Athens and Norwalk regarding the companies' proposed merger of local landline telephone service.
OCC argues before the Supreme Court of Ohio for reducing delivery charges to Dominion, Duke natural gas customersSep. 16, 2009
The Office of the Ohio Consumers'Counsel (OCC) argued its case today before the Supreme Court of Ohio for a reduction in the fixed customer charges paid monthly by Duke Energy and Dominion East Ohio customers.
Latest decision in Ormet case sustains Ohio Consumers' Counsel benefits for AEP customersSep. 15, 2009
The OCC is pleased that a decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio upheld the elimination of a portion of a discount for Ormet Primary Aluminum Corp. The discount is for maintaining Ohio jobs and subsidized by all ratepayers, including residential customers.
Lifeline telephone assistance keeps Ohioans connectedSep. 14, 2009
The OCC and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, with support from Governor Ted Strickland, remind Ohioans of telephone assistance programs during National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week.
Know the changes in delivery of white pages directoriesSep. 10, 2009
Consumers in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus who want residential white pages must now specifically request a copy from their telephone company.
OCC urges Frontier and Verizon customers to testify at PUCO local public hearingsAug. 25, 2009
The OCC encourages consumers of Frontier and Verizon to attend and testify at local public hearings regarding the companies' proposed merger of local landline telephone service.
Aqua Ohio fined $132,000 for failure to resolve billing issuesAug. 24, 2009
Aqua Ohio has been fined $132,000 for failing to resolve billing issues that have affected thousands of its customers. In addition to the fine, the Ohio Consumers' Counsel was able to secure $25,000 in payment assistance for low-income water consumers.
PUCO should deny Frontier, Verizon telephone merger without consumer protectionsAug. 18, 2009
The proposed merger of Frontier Communications Corporation and Verizon Communications, Inc. should be rejected. According to the OCC, if the merger is to be approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, conditions should be required.
Millions to be saved for FirstEnergy customersJul. 29, 2009
An agreement between member of the Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates and FirstEnergy will result in savings of $178 million for residential customers. The agreement also adds $2.5 million in low-income assistance and an improved residential renewable energy credit program.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel, social service agencies, private technology firm partner to introduce free voice mail to Ohioans in 419 area codeJul. 21, 2009
Access to free voice mail is now available to individuals in the 419 area code of northwest Ohio who do not have a telephone because they are without a permanent residence or cannot afford one. This new service is being made available through the combined efforts of the OCC, Leader Technologies Incorporated and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks.
Lower Natural Gas Prices May Mean Good News for Ohio Consumers Next WinterJul. 20, 2009
While Ohioans continue to enjoy the mild summer temperatures, it is easy to forget that cooler weather will be back with us before we know it. It will soon be time for residents to consider the most economically sound way to pay for their home heating needs. The OCC advises natural gas consumers to consider all their options wisely prior to making their energy choices for the upcoming winter.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel, social service agencies, private technology firm partner to introduce free voice mail to Ohioans in the 419 area codeJul. 16, 2009
The OCC, Leader Technologies Incorporated and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) will hold a joint press conference in Defiance on Tuesday, July 21 at 11 a.m. to announce a free, new voice mail service for Ohioans in the 419 area code that lack phone service.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel: Approval of Duke electric distribution rate case agreement to benefit residential consumersJul. 08, 2009
Duke Energy electric distribution rate increases will be limited and payment assistance programs will be made available for residents who need them, according to an agreement approved by state regulators. The OCC, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio staff, Duke Energy and other parties were among those signing the agreement.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel opposes level of Ormet electric discount to be paid by AEP customersJul. 01, 2009
An electric discount proposed for one company could cost all Ohio customers of American Electric Power (AEP) as much as $2.8 billion over 10 years. The OCC calls the proposal by Ormet Primary Aluminum Corp. excessive in a brief being filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Approval of Dayton Power & Light rate plan will benefit residential customersJun. 24, 2009
Approval of an agreement on Dayton Power & Light's rate plan will mean benefits for residential customers.
Consumers' Counsel reacts to denial of request to halt AEP's retroactive ratesJun. 18, 2009
The OCC reacts to the Supreme Court of Ohio's denial of a request to block American Electric Power from continuing to collect the retroactive portion of its recent rate increase.
Summer Crisis Program Offers Assistance to Low-Income FamiliesJun. 12, 2009
While many Ohio consumers are familiar with assistance programs that offset heating costs during the winter, they may not be aware that help is available to them during the summer months as well. It is estimated that one in 10 Ohio residential utility consumers experienced a disconnection of either their electric or gas service for non-payment in the past year.
Frontier, Verizon telephone merger needs scrutiny, local public hearingsJun. 10, 2009
The OCC advocates for a close examination by state regulators of a proposed merger of Frontier Communication Corporation and Verizon Communications, Inc. Since the merger could affect approximately 435,000 Ohioans' residential landline service, local public hearings should be held.
Results of successful auction to lower many FirstEnergy bills beginning June 1May. 29, 2009
As a result of an auction to serve electricity to FirstEnergy's Ohio customers, generation rates will be going down for residents beginning June 1. FirstEnergy customers will receive messages on their June bills.
Efficiency, renewable rules must remain intactMay. 15, 2009
The energy efficiency and renewable energy rules created by the PUCO April 15 must not be weakened and members of the Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates is urging the PUCO to hold steady on the rules.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel: Auction brings lower rates to FirstEnergy customersMay. 14, 2009
An auction to serve electricity to FirstEnergy's Ohio customers means rates should fall below current prices beginning in June.
OCC urges Columbia customers to participate in hearings on utility's proposal to change how it acquires natural gasMay. 12, 2009
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) encourages Columbia Gas customers to participate in local hearings about the utility's proposal to change its method of purchasing natural gas.
Consumer advocates request electric reliability workshopsMay. 01, 2009
In a continuing effort focused on electric service reliability in Ohio, the OCC and other consumer advocates are asking that a workshop be held on service provided by Ohio's investor-owned electric utilities. Holding a workshop is among the actions the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio can take to examine specific topics, including requirements stated in Ohio's new electric law.
Office of Ohio Consumers' Counsel pleased with PUCO's action on Dominion late feesApr. 20, 2009
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) supported an April 16 decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) compelling Dominion East Ohio to amend its filing authorizing the assessment of late fees to delinquent ratepayers.
Consumers' Counsel requests PUCO to reconsider increases to AEP rates, asks Supreme Court of Ohio to halt retroactive ratesApr. 17, 2009
The OCC asks the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to reconsider a decision that is imposing a decade of rate increases on residential customers of American Electric Power's Ohio utilities, and asks the Supreme Court of Ohio to block AEP from collecting the retroactive portion of the rate increase currently being charged to customers.
Energy efficiency, renewable energy rules include several improvements recommended by OCCApr. 15, 2009
Many of the protections advocated by the OCC have been included in the PUCO's energy efficiency and renewable energy rules during an initial review by the office.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel calls for rejection of Cincinnati Bell's increased directory assistance chargeApr. 02, 2009
The OCC asserts that a nearly 15 percent increase in Cincinnati Bell's directory assistance charge results in an unfair practice against the telephone company's customers.
Duke Energy's residential consumers to benefit from agreement in electric distribution rate caseMar. 31, 2009
Residential customers of Duke Energy will benefit from an electric rate case agreement filed by the OCC, the staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), the utility and other parties.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel: Added consumer benefits will help FirstEnergy customersMar. 25, 2009
Approval of benefits for residential customers of FirstEnergy is good news and should have long-term positive impacts, according to the OCC. The benefits were included in a supplemental agreement spearheaded by the OCC who jointly participated with other advocates as the Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel requests freeze on retroactive AEP rates to be collected from customersMar. 25, 2009
The OCC, joined by the Appalachian People's Action Coalition, requests a stay of a recent decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) declaring that new generation rates of American Electric Power (AEP) will be paid by customers retroactively.
Report: Additional policies can help Ohio exceed energy efficiency standard, save $3.3 billion annually by 2025Mar. 25, 2009
The Ohio Consumers' Counsel has been a strong advocate to increase the use of energy efficiency for the last five years. Today, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy released a report which supports the OCC's efforts to promote energy conservation and its benefits for Ohio.
OCC files complaint over Dominion East Ohio Energy marketing practicesMar. 24, 2009
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the advocate for the state's 4.5 million residential utility consumer households, today filed a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), asking for punitive action against a natural gas marketer it believes has targeted thousands of Dominion East Ohio Gas customers with an unfair, deceptive, and misleading marketing postcard.
AEP customers to pay for rate increase nearly a decadeMar. 18, 2009
The OCC reacts to a decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that will cause rate increases to American Electric Power customers for years into the future.
Verizon granted basic local service pricing freedom for 21 exchanges, denied for three exchangesMar. 18, 2009
Basic local service rates could increase for Verizon customers in 21 exchanges, however three communities were spared due to a decision released today by state regulators, according to the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC).
Marketer Letter Confusing to Potentially Thousands of Dominion CustomersMar. 13, 2009
A mailing targeted towards potentially thousands of Dominion East Ohio customers could mislead those residents into believing that their gas company will stop supplying natural gas in April, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) said today.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel asks state regulators to reconsider phase-out of AT&T Ohio's white pages directoriesMar. 13, 2009
The OCC asks the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to reconsider its allowance of AT&T Ohio to scale back its distribution of residential white pages directories.
Cincinnati and Liberty Twp. public hearings to be held on proposed Duke Energy rate increaseMar. 12, 2009
The OCC encourages customers of Duke Energy to voice their opinions about an electric distribution rate increase request at local public hearings held in Cincinnati and Liberty Twp. beginning Monday, March 16 by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Consumers' Counsel advises Columbia Gas natural gas customers of emergency bill payment assistance fundMar. 10, 2009
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, advises natural gas customers of Columbia Gas of Ohio that a $2.1 million emergency assistance fund has been established by the utility to help customers who are having difficulty paying their heating bills but do not qualify because of income requirements for existing energy assistance programs.
Consumers' Counsel advises Duke's low-income natural gas customers of payment assistance opportunityMar. 09, 2009
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential consumer advocate, advises natural gas customers of Duke Energy Ohio to learn whether they are eligible to participate in Duke's "Ohio Residential Low Income Pilot Program."
Gas Choice consumers should read the fine printMar. 06, 2009
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility advocate, advises consumers enrolled in Gas Choice programs with a supplier to become familiar with and understand all of the contract language before accepting an offer.
Local public hearings set for residential consumers about proposed Duke Energy electric distribution rate increaseMar. 03, 2009
The OCC encourages customers of Duke Energy Ohio to express their opinions about the utilitys proposed electric distribution rate increase during upcoming Cincinnati and Liberty Township public hearings before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
OCC: Duke's electric delivery costs too highFeb. 27, 2009
The proposal to raise electric distribution rates for Duke Energy customers is too high and should be reduced by 46 percent for all customers. Other changes that should be made to protect residential customers include reducing the proposed customer charge, revised allocation of a rate increase and a prudence review of storm recovery.
Consumer groups gain more benefits in FirstEnergy electric security plan agreementFeb. 27, 2009
The OCC and other members of the Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates came to a supplemental agreement with FirstEnergy that will add consumer protections to its proposed electric security plan. The agreement added better terms for governmental aggregation, low-income payment assistance, a renewable energy credit program and consumer representation in the development of energy efficiency programs.
Smart Consumer Resource Fairs scheduled throughout Ohio during National Consumer Protection WeekFeb. 25, 2009
The OCC is joining state and federal agencies, consumer protection agencies and other partners to educate consumers and provide them with tools to make wiser financial decisions during National Consumer Protection Week, March 1-7, 2009.
DP&L customers to benefit in electric security plan agreementFeb. 24, 2009
The Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocated reached an agreement with Dayton Power & Light which will benefit customers and hold rate increases to reasonable levels. The agreement will continue DP&L's current rate plan until 2012 and add energy efficiency and renewable energy to the company's electric portfolio.
OCC Presses PUCO for Conditions on CenturyTel-Embarq MergerFeb. 24, 2009
A proposed transfer of control of the Ohio operations of Embarq Communications to CenturyTel Inc. should meet conditions proposed by the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), according to a motion filed by the OCC.
Cincinnati Bell basic service rates increased in Six Exchanges; Non-published, Vacation Line fees also raisedFeb. 23, 2009
The Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility advocate, advises customers that Cincinnati Bell has raised rates, effective February 17, 2009, in the following six exchanges: Cincinnati, Hamilton, Bethany, Harrison, Little Miami and Williamsburg.
Consumer Groups Not Parties to Proposed Settlement of FirstEnergy Electric Security PlanFeb. 19, 2009
FirstEnergy consumers are not properly protected in a proposed electric security plan settlement. Along with members of the Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates, the Ohio Consumers' Counsel said residential consumers could lose out on tens of millions of dollars in savings through governmental aggregation along with other necessary consumer protections. Members of OCEA did not sign the proposed settlement.
Office of Ohio Consumers' Counsel pleased with results from Dominion East Ohio auctionFeb. 11, 2009
Natural gas bills for customers using an average of 99.1 Mcf per year and served by Dominion East Ohio Gas will be reduced by approximately $100 beginning in April through March 31, 2010 as a result of two separate online auctions held yesterday. Customers enrolled in the Energy Choice Program and served by an independent marketer are not affected by yesterday's auction.
OCC urges DP&L customers to testify at PUCO local public hearingsFeb. 10, 2009
Public hearings for the Dayton Power & Light electric security plan have been set by the PUCO. The OCC is encouraging all DP&L residential consumers to attend and testify at a public hearing.
OCC Opposes AT&T's Request to Limit Distribution of White Pages DirectoriesFeb. 05, 2009
The OCC has opposed AT&T Ohio's proposal to limit distribution of its printed white pages to only those customers who request them. In a filing at the PUCO, the OCC sought consumer protections to ensure that residential consumers who want or need a printed directory continue to be able to receive one free of charge unless they notify the company otherwise.
Consumers' Counsel recommends changes to Dayton Power & Light's proposed rate planJan. 26, 2009
The OCC files the testimony of its expert witnesses at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio challenging Dayton Power & Light's (DP&L) proposed Electric Security Plan. In its filing, the OCC offers recommendations that would provide significant benefits to DP&L customers over at least the next three years.
PUCO decision allows FirstEnergy rates to increaseJan. 21, 2009
Residential customers of FirstEnergy will pay more for the distribution of their electricity, but not as much as the utility had requested. However, much of the requested rate increases not permitted by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio were based upon deferred costs that could result in unjustifiable future rate increases.
Consumers' Counsel disappointed at PUCO's FirstEnergy latest decision; Customers of FirstEnergy should not be at risk for higher generation pricesJan. 14, 2009
The OCC believes that FirstEnergy customers should not be at risk for paying a rider on their electric bills. Today, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio approved a rider, proposed earlier this month by FirstEnergy. The rider would compensate FirstEnergy for the difference in the price charged in current rates and the results of an auction held to provide power to customers through March 31, 2009.
PUCO takes no action taken on utility service reliability investigation request; DP&L, Duke allowed to defer millions in storm costsJan. 14, 2009
The PUCO has yet to act on a request of several consumer groups, including the OCC, to investigate the reliability of Ohio's major electric utilities but today allowed both Dayton Power & Light and Duke Energy Ohio to defer storm-related costs with interest related to damage from hurricane-strength winds in September 2008.
Electric rates increasing for Dayton Power & Light residential customersJan. 08, 2009
The OCC advises residents served by Dayton Power & Light that their electric rates increased effective Jan. 1. The increases are the result of the continuation of a rate plan approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in 2005.
Rate hikes approved for Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio customersJan. 07, 2009
Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio customers will see increased distribution charges after a ruling today by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). The decision will allow Vectren to raise its flat-rate customer charge from $7 per month to $13.37 per month, with a corresponding decrease in the portion of the distribution rate that consumers pay based on their usage.
Some FirstEnergy customers will see lower rates beginning in 2009Jan. 07, 2009
A decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio follows the OCC and other consumer groups' recommendations to reduce rates for FirstEnergy's residential customers beginning in 2009. FirstEnergy will not be allowed to continue charging some of its customers for adders that were scheduled to expire at the end of 2008. This will result in lower interim rates for residential customers
PUCO decision limits Cincinnati Bell's white pages distribution to consumersJan. 07, 2009
Despite concerns by the OCC, a decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will limit the distribution of Cincinnati Bell's white pages telephone directory.
OCC concerned about Cincinnati Bell plan to limit white pages distributionJan. 06, 2009
The OCC seeks consumer protections to ensure that residential consumers who want or need a printed white pages telephone directory continue to be able to receive one free of charge.

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