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Consumers' Counsel announces enhanced ethics and public records policies

Columbus, Ohio - May 20, 2004 - Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander today issued a report to the Office of the Inspector General that outlines a clear code of conduct and an enhanced records retention schedule.

"We have taken aggressive action to revise office policies and restore public trust in the important and valuable services we provide to Ohio's residential utility consumers," said Migden-Ostrander. "Our new policies address the concerns raised by the Inspector General and make it abundantly clear that our office must avoid any appearances of impropriety. The new rules are strong and will be enforced."

In its report, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) adheres to the recommendations made by the Inspector General on March 23 and announces that:

Regarding public records, the OCC will.

• Permanently retain documents related to utility cases in electronic format.

• Allow staff members to keep any records for a longer period of time than scheduled upon request and approval by the Consumers' Counsel and Deputy Consumers' Counsel.

• Annually review the OCC's records retention policy.

• Record all public records requests. The OCC's General Counsel will coordinate responses to public records requests with the Consumers' Counsel and Deputy Consumers' Counsel.

Prior to implementing this records retention policy, the OCC must receive the approval of the Department of Administrative Services' Records Administrator, the Ohio Historical Society's State Archivist and the State Auditor. Until the OCC receives approval, all records are being retained.

Regarding ethics issues, the OCC has developed an enhanced Code of Conduct that.

• Establishes clear rules to ensure that the conduct of the Consumers' Counsel and OCC employees avoids the appearance of impropriety, favoritism or bias. The comprehensive Code of Conduct provides strict guidelines to ensure that representatives of the office act ethically and responsibly when interacting with the utility companies and other stakeholders.

• Prohibits the acceptance of anything of value, including but not limited to money, gifts, food, beverages, promotional items, social event tickets, travel expenses or golf outings. During a working meeting or conference, a meal of minor value may be accepted as long as it is not provided exclusively to the OCC and it is available to all participants.

• If political events are attended by the Consumers' Counsel or OCC employees for the purpose of conducting official business on behalf of residential consumers, the events must be paid for by those individuals. Lobbying in an effort to influence public policy is a critical component of representing consumers. However, it must be accomplished in a manner that avoids the appearance of any ethical conflicts.

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.