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Ohio Consumers' Counsel Governing Board
finalizes list of candidates

COLUMBUS, OH, February 26, 2004 – Four candidates will interview to become the next Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) Governing Board determined today.

The Governing Board will meet at 9 a.m. on March 8 at the Riffe Center in Columbus to conduct interviews and appoint the new Consumers’ Counsel, who will become only the third advocate to lead the state agency in its 27-year history.

The candidates are: Paul Centolella, Assistant Vice President, Energy Systems Group, Science Applications International Corporation; Janine Migden, Partner and Co-Chair of the Utility and Regulatory Practice Group, Hahn Loeser & Parks; William Schuck, Executive Director, Competition Ohio; and Eric Stephens, Deputy Consumers’ Counsel, Ohio Consumers’ Counsel.

“We are pleased to have such a strong list of individuals who are interested in serving Ohio’s 4.5 million residential utility customers,” said Jerome Solove, Chairman of the OCC Governing Board. “It is our priority as a Board to appoint a proactive advocate.”

Mandatory requirements for the Consumers’ Counsel include: a license to practice law in the state of Ohio; qualified by knowledge and experience to practice in public utility proceedings; must be a resident of the state of Ohio; must be able to devote full time to the duties of the office of Consumers’ Counsel; take an oath of office; and post a $5,000 bond.

Strong consumer advocacy, demonstrable experience practicing law in the utility regulatory arena at the state or federal level, as well as strong knowledge of budgeting and governmental processes, were also added to the list of recommended qualifications by the OCC Governing Board, among other attributes.

About the OCC Governing Board

By law, the bipartisan board is made up of nine members, who are appointed by the Ohio Attorney General for a term of three years and then confirmed by the Ohio Senate.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.