http://www.pickocc.org/news/ Ohio Consumers' Counsel News en 60 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:00:00 PM EDT http://www.pickocc.org/rss/images/occ-rss.gif http://www.pickocc.org/news/ http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=07012009 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. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=06242009 Approval of an agreement on Dayton Power & Light's rate plan will mean benefits for residential customers. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=06182009 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. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=06122009 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. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:50:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=06102009 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. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:50:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=05292009 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. Fri, 29 May 2009 02:20:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=05152009 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. Fri, 15 May 2009 01:50:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=05142009 An auction to serve electricity to FirstEnergy's Ohio customers means rates should fall below current prices beginning in June. Thu, 14 May 2009 05:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/newsletters/may.shtml 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 Wed, 13 May 2009 10:00:00 AM EDT Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=05122009 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. Tue, 12 May 2009 01:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=05012009 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. Fri, 01 May 2009 04:10:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/newsletters/april.shtml 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 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:00:00 AM EDT Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=04282009 Consumers in several Ohio communities will vote on electric and natural gas aggregation issues on Tuesday, May 5. Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:40:00 AM EDT Letters to the Editor http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=04212009 Twenty-five years after the breakup of AT&T, consumers have seen significant changes in how they make telephone calls, what they pay and the services they receive. Are we better off today than we were 25 years ago? Ohio Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander says the answer depends on who's talking. Mon, 21 Apr 2009 09:40:00 AM EDT Guest Columns http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=04202009 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. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:00:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=04172009 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. Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=04152009 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. Wed, 15 Apr 2009 05:35:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=04102009 Residential consumers will have a greener Ohio and increased opportunities to be energy efficient because of recent additions to electric laws. Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:10:00 PM EDT Guest Columns http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=04022009 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. Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03312009 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. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/energypolicy/index.php#factsheets New electric security plan fact sheets are now available. Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:30:00 PM EDT Fact Sheets http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03252009b 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. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03252009a 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. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03252009 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. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03242009 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. Tue, 24 Mar 2009 03:10:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03182009a 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. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 04:55:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03182009 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). Wed, 18 Mar 2009 03:45:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03132009a 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. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:50:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03132009 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. Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:50:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03122009 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. Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:20:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03102009 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. Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:20:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03092009 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." Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:20:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03062009 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. Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:20:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=03032009 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). Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=02272009a 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. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:40:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=02272009 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. Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:00:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=02252009 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. Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=02242009a 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. Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:40:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=02242009 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. Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:40:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=02232009 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. Mon, 23 Feb 2009 04:10:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=02192009 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. Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/newsletters/january.shtml 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 Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:45:00 PM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=02112009 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. Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:35:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=02102009 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. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:50:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=02042009 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. Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:50:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=01262009 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. Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:20:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=01212009 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. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:20:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=01142009a 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. Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:40:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=01142009 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. Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:40:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=01082009 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. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=01072009b 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. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=01072009a 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 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=01072009 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. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=01062009 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. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12292008 Given the state of the economy, many consumers' New Year's resolutions will involve saving money. To help consumers meet their New Year's resolutions, the OCC is offering free weatherization workshops around the state. Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:35:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12232008 FirstEnergy's rates for its Ohio Edison and Toledo Edison customers should be reduced beginning in 2009, the OCC, along with other consumer groups, told the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in a filing. Tue, 23 Dec 2008 05:55:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12192008b Several arguments made by the OCC in the FirstEnergy electric security plan case were accepted by the PUCO that will benefit residential consumers. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:25:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12192008a The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel is pleased that its recommendations were supported through a decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to keep American Electric Power (AEP) rates stable through February 2009. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12192008 The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today approved a change to its original order in the Dominion distribution rate case. The decision restored the amount of the annual revenue increase for the natural gas utility to $40.5 million, the amount authorized in the stipulated agreement signed by the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, the PUCO staff, Dominion and other interested parties and approved by the Commission on August 25. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:45:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12172008b The OCC responds to a decision removing a safety net for telephone customers facing disconnection for non-payment of bills for "bundled services" with options ranging from call waiting and call forwarding to satellite television and Internet access. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:05:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12172008a A decision by the PUOC to modify an agreement between the OCC, Duke Energy and others on the utility's electric security plan has left the residential utility advocate with mixed reactions. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12172008 Basic local service rates could increase for Embarq customers in 25 exchanges, however 19 communities were spared due to a decision released today by state regulators. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12152008 A newly-formed partnership of consumer groups -- Consumers for Reliable Electricity in Ohio -- requests that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio investigate each of Ohio's investor-owned electric utilities, American Electric Power, Dayton Power & Light, Duke Energy and FirstEnergy, to determine whether they are doing enough to limit the breadth and depth of power outages in their respective regions. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 03:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12102008 Over the opposition of the OCC, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio granted Cincinnati Bell's request to be able to annually raise basic rates through "alternative regulation" in the Bethany, Harrison, Little Miami and Williamsburg exchanges. Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=12032008 A higher flat-rate charge and a lower usage-based fee will greet customers of Columbia Gas of Ohio in the new year after a ruling today by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:35:00 PM EST Press Releases