Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Statewide roundtable sparks ideas for sound energy future

COLUMBUS, Ohio – October 10, 2006 – The future of energy in Ohio hinges on whether three goals – affordability, reliability and sustainability – are achieved, said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel. A long-term plan should help stabilize the price of energy, incorporate cost-effective energy efficiency programs and be able to alleviate the volatility of natural gas prices.

Migden-Ostrander shared her ideas with other utility experts during a roundtable discussion held today at the Verne Riffe Center. Other participants at the roundtable were Sen. Robert Schuler (R-Sycamore Twp.), Rep. John P. Hagan (R-Alliance), Alan R. Schriber, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Anthony J. Alexander, FirstEnergy CEO and President and Jack Partridge, Columbia Gas of Ohio President. The group discussed energy issues that are likely to face Ohio in the 21st century and possible plans for the future. The panel, moderated by Attorney General Jim Petro, was in coordination with the 30th anniversary of the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate.

“Today’s statewide forum created an opportunity to publicly discuss the direction of Ohio’s energy future from a variety of perspectives,” Migden-Ostrander said. “Ultimately, we need to come together and forge a sustainable plan that will be good for all consumers from the residential customer struggling to make ends meet to the many commercial small businesses that are the backbone of this state and the large industrial customers that employ many of our citizens.”

The OCC’s position on energy issues includes:

Price – Maintaining the affordability of energy must be a priority in order to meet the needs of residential customers. A plan that combines energy efficiency to reduce demand with short- and long-term generation will lead Ohio to an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy future. The OCC believes an Integrated Portfolio Management plan could lead us in that direction. Released in September, the plan focuses on utilities developing a 20-year forecast of their demand and assuring affordable and stable rates through competitive bidding for short- and long-term power with a mix of options including clean coal technologies, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency – Enacting comprehensive energy efficiency programs are much less expensive than generating, transmitting or distributing electricity. If statewide energy efficiency standards are put in place, there will be a huge potential for lowering system-wide electricity costs and reducing customers’ electricity bills.

Natural Gas – With the price of fossil fuels such as natural gas continually rising and the prospect of the United States competing more and more in the global market with countries like China and India, it is imperative that Ohio develop a strategy to diminish its reliance on foreign sources of fuel. As with electric programs, natural gas energy efficiency programs must be a priority to provide customers with the tools they need to lower their costs.

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.