Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Features:

• Help available for consumers facing a utility disconnection
• Save money & stay safe while lighting your home at night
• Important tips for energy choice shoppers
• Save money and energy with utility sponsored efficiency programs
• FirstEnergy's renewable energy program "seriously flawed"
  
  

Features:

• PUCO modifies AEP ESP rate proposal: OCC concerned about customer impact
• Fall tip: check furnaces and water heaters
• A look back at Ohio's summer power outages
• Duke Energy proposes electric and natural gas rate increases
• What are manufactured gas plants?
• PUCO approves FirstEnergy rate proposal: Customers will see increases
  
  

Features:

• OCC: FirstEnergy rate proposal should be rejected
• 13 governors sign pact to spur natural gas vehicle development
• Settlements limit rate increases for Aqua Ohio Water customers
• OCC proposals could protect customers from paying hundreds of millions of dollars to AEP
• New rate plan proposed for DP&L customers
• Watch for unwanted charges on your monthly phone bill
• Low-Income households again offered relief from high cooling bills
• Consumer Alert: Send Us Feedback Regarding Your Telephone Service
  
  

Features:

• PIPP Plus works for customers paying off high utility balances
• 10 essentials to know before choosing an electric supplier
• Shopping for an independent gas supplier? Know the contract
• Recycling CFLs as easy as a trip to the hardware store
• Checklist can remove vacation utility bill surprises
• Infographic: Electricity in Ohio
  
  

March / April 2012

Features:

• Bruce J. Weston named Consumers' Counsel
• AEP Ohio rates rejected by PUCO, future customer bills return to December rates
• All Ohioans to benefit from low natural gas prices
• New telecom legislation passes Senate
• New financing tool can help lower costs to electric customers
• Privacy standards a necessity for smart grid
  
  

Features:

• Duke Energy customer bills decrease by $22 in 2012
• AEP customer bills increase 6 percent
• Legislation could affect telephone, water-sewer customers
• Some Lifeline customers may see their rates increase
• Recent incidents create a renewed emphasis on natural gas safety
• 6 tips to save energy in the New Year
• Retail auctions set for Columbia Gas customers in 2012

Features:

• Duke Energy customer bills decrease by $22 in 2012
• AEP customer bills increase 6 percent
• Legislation could affect telephone, water-sewer customers
• Some Lifeline customers may see their rates increase
• Recent incidents create a renewed emphasis on natural gas safety
• 6 tips to save energy in the New Year
• Retail auctions set for Columbia Gas customers in 2012

Features:

• AEP utility has ‘significantly excessive’profits; OCC calls for $156 million refund
• OCC challenges marketer’s name change proposal
• Gift cards and other programs help with holiday utility bills
• Natural gas prices not expected to soar as winter heating season approaches
• Rejoice this holiday season by using some of these energy-saving tips, tricks and ideas

Features:

• Low-income PIPP program undergoes major changes; new program now known as PIPP Plus
• Consumer advocates speak out against credit reporting by utilities
• Energy Star certification undergoing makeover
• Eco-Link program helps consumers pay for home improvements
• Wireless Lifeline an option for income-eligible consumers
• Aqua customers will see slight increase in their water bills

Features:

• OCC’s advocacy limits rate increase for Ohio American Water customers
• Summer Crisis Program provides assistance to customers in need
• Smart grid to change way consumers use electricity
• Technology makes paying utility bills easier and convenient, but for a price
• Rain barrels provide old-fashioned savings

Features:

• OCC to PUCO: All-electric discounts for FirstEnergy customers should be restored
• Telephone deregulation bills strip most consumer protections, particularly for those with bundled services
• Good news: Columbia wholesale auction results in lower prices for consumers
• Stimulus funds available to help trim energy bills
• OCC disagrees with FirstEnergy proposal for new rates

Features:

• OCC advocates for water rate decrease in Ohio American Water case
• Lighting label proposal focuses on brightness rather than watts
• Easy upgrade saves water and energy
• AT&T rates increased in January, February
• Vectren customers will see lower gas bills

Features:

• Auctions scheduled for natural gas customers
• Some water rate expenses would be limited under new bill proposal
• Grants for solar water heating available
• Additional funds available to assist eligible Columbia Gas customers
• Some health issues can prevent utility disconnections

Features:

• Consumer advocates find fault with legislation
• Retail natural gas supplier accepts forfeiture in postcard complaint
• Winter heating assistance programs available
• Online stores offer efficiency tools at discounts

Features:

• OCC: Safeguards a must in climate change bill
• Free voice mail program launched in 419 area code
• Solar power cuts electric bills
• Decisions in AEP case uphold higher, retroactive rates
• White pages no longer sent to Ohio metros
• Aqua Ohio consumers receive assistance

Features:

• OCC secures benefits for low-income customers
• Simple Savings: Change a light bulb to save
• New guidelines for energy help
• Consumer advocates request electric reliability workshops
• Columbia begins installing automatic meter readers
• Rain gardens: Pretty up property, help purify water
• An airy fix to utility costs

Features:

• Electric security plans set generation rates
• Dominion standard choice offer in effect
• Geothermal system can save money and earn tax credit
• Understanding your telephone bill
• Funds to help make gas payments
• DP&L customers: Credit reported for late payments

Features:

• Guidelines strict for door-to-door solicitors
• Stop wasting energy
• Alternatives available to traditional telephone service
• AEP rate plan approved by PUCO
• Violation could cost Aqua Ohio thousands of dollars
• Choice customers urged to read fine print
• Give the OCC your opinion

Features:

• Agreement cuts Columbia Gas of Ohio distribution rate increase request by nearly half
• 1 in 10 Ohioans disconnected from utility service
• Partnership calls for electric reliability investigation
• Energy efficiency programs available to Ohioans
• How to choose a programmable thermostat
• Payment assistance available for heating season
• OCC continues advocacy on electric security plans
• Changes to PIPP, disconnection rules coming

Features:

• Ohioans speak out about proposed rate hikes
• Parties Agree to Cut Proposed Dominion Rate Increase
• OCC in your corner: Rate increase for Mohawk water customers cut in half
• Ohio American Water consumers face rate hike and improved services
• Incentives attractive for efficiency improvements
• Consumer Alert: Review telephone bills for unfamiliar charges

Features:

• Electric rules need consumer protections
• Attend OCC’s public forums on electric rates
• Electric Security Plans at a glance
• Consumer action needed in natural gas rate cases
• Vectren natural gas customers face rate increase
• Natural gas costs defined: Understanding your monthly bill

Features:

• Energy law will shape the future of electricity in Ohio
• 10 ways to save money on your summer cooling bills
• OCC in your corner
• Ohioans find help with Community Voice Mail
• Cost, quality issues concern water consumers
• Going "green" when remodeling your home saves money

Features:

• Consumers speak out against higher FirstEnergy rates
• OCC in your corner
• Learn about the availability of enhanced 911
• Utility bills can be a valuable tool to reduce energy usage
• Need to Know: Remember to call first before you dig
• Program your way to energy savings

Features:

• Energy alternatives, transparency crucial to energy future
• March brings FirstEnergy customers the chance to speak up
• OCC in your corner
• Utility rate cases begin heating up
• Natural gas agreements to benefit Columbia Gas customers
• Q&A: My utility wants to raise my rates. What can I do?

Features:

• Advocacy for consumer protections continues as energy policy legislation reaches Ohio House
• Managing winter heating bills through efficiency and assistance
• OCC in your corner
• Clear access helps to get meter read
• Revised telephone rules go into effect
• Rumors about national Do-Not-Call list can confuse consumers
• Q&A: Telephone Lifeline programs help start and maintain service

Features:

• Your voice is needed on state energy legislation
• OCC in your corner
• Facts to consider about utility line warranty programs
• Assistance available for winter
• Need to know: 'Green' energy terms

Features:

• Complaint handling comes back to Ohio's utility consumer advocate
• Improved Electric Service and Safety Standards needed
• Support a cleaner U.S. with green options
• OCC in your corner
• Energy rates would rise under utilities' proposals
• Some gas risers to be replaced
• Q&A: Prepaid Calling Cards

Features:

• Summer program offers cooling assistance to Ohio residents
• Stay cool while saving energy
• New federal rules address privacy of customers’ telephone records
• OCC in your corner
• Upgrading light bulbs will save energy
• Understand energy bills, control costs with OCC resources
• Q&A: Water softening

Features:

• Know the impact of appliances with interactive energy house
• Smart Energy. Smart Future.
• OCC is in your corner
• Tool helps Verizon customers compare options
• SOLAR 2007 Conference
• Program would give green option to AEP customers
• Q&A: Telephone service fees

Features:

• Natural gas riser investigation
• Telephone customers alerted to tax refund
• Consumers have utility resource through 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622)
• OCC is in your corner
• Upgrades can save money, energy and the environment
• Read the fine print to be an informed consumer

Features:

• Diversified energy plan can make Ohio's future bright
• OCC is in your corner
• Meter reading is an important safety measure
• Safety should come first when heating your home
• Who’s calling you may be anyone’s guess
• OCC to help inform consumers on utility issues
• Q&A: Energy efficiency tax credits

Features:

• Winter heating bill assistance available for residential consumers
• Landmark year highlights OCC advocacy and education efforts
• OCC assists Dominion East Ohio customers with billing change
• OCC is in your corner
• Lesson No. 4: Renewable energy resources - biomass energy
• Protections for telephone customers up for review
• Plans could allow AT&T Ohio, Cincinnati Bell to increase basic local telephone rates
• Q&A: Winterizing your home

Features:

• Natural gas choice may help manage winter heating costs
• Third decade brings utility changes, savings
• Changes for Dominion customers
• OCC is in your corner
• Lesson No. 3: Renewable energy resources - hydroelectricity
• Federal assistance available to help rural consumers afford energy improvements
• Internet surfing can lead to unintended telephone charges
• Q&A: Preparing for winter

Features:

• A message from the Consumers' Counsel
• The '70s and '80s paved the way
• The '90s: OCC worked to lower rates and educate consumers
• 2000-2006: OCC enters a new era of advocacy
• The next 30 years of utility service
• OCC connects with consumers
• Pickocc.org: Portal to OCC history

Features:

• Comprehensive energy efficiency programs would lower electric bills
• OCC advocacy strengthens in second decade
• OCC is in your corner
• Lesson No 2: Renewable energy resources - solar power
• Avoiding the summertime blues
• Advocates work to safeguard your personal information
• Q & A: Summer utility assistance

Features:

• Updated rules and new electric rate options would help consumers
• First watchdog set OCC into action
• Renewable energy resources lesson #1 – wind power
• Identity theft is still an issue
• Consumers’ voices were heard in telephone rules case
• Q & A: Learn about the Ohio Energy Loan Fund

Features:

• Consumers’ Counsel vigilantly working to achieve benefits
• OCC’s first 10 years – leveling the playing field
• Beyond 4-1-1 and 9-1-1: Knowing about additional information numbers
• OCC has new fact sheets for consumers
• Renewable resources are a growing energy source
• Q&A: Home telephone service options

Features:

• Stay connected to utility services this winter
• Thirty years of advocating for Ohio residents
• New plans bring customers higher electric rates
• Mid-winter home checklist
• Telephone Lifeline keeps consumers connected
• Q&A: 2005 Energy Policy

Features:

• Assistance programs help Ohioans stay warm
• Understanding the Percentage of Income Payment Plan
• Make a difference in your heating bills
• Staying safe and warm during a power outage
• Q&A: Telephone rights with 900 & 976 charges

Features:

• Know your electric rights
• Study shows long-term benefits of energy efficiency
• Consumers with medical need should prepare for outages
• Electric outages: Myth vs. fact
• Saving water will save consumers money
• Q&A: Bundled telecommunications packages

Features:

• Electric choice deserves a chance to succeed
• New materials assist residential consumers
• Q&A: Call blocking services
• The facts about utility line insurance
• Energy Efficiency Tips

Features:

• Be aware of your natural gas choices
• New OCC publications available to aid consumers
• PIPP debt crediting program helps natural gas customers
• Q & A: Learning about DSL service
• OCC launches Action Alerts Network
• Consumers made a difference in electric rate plan decision

Features:

• OCC Governing Board selects Janine Migden-Ostrander as new Consumers' Counsel
• Plan today to save money this summer
• Digital age brings local, long-distance phone alternatives
• Electric metering: Know your rights, responsibilities
• Learn more about telephone fees
• Reading your electric meter
• Water standards and consumer safeguards

Features:

• Residential electric customers need to remain protected
• Keep personal information private to reduce calls
• Q&A: Cutting the cord
• Customers with cell phones can keep their number
• New features await consumers at pickocc.org
• Power outage knowledge