Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Community Advisory Panel Contents

• Community Advisory Panel Regions and Counties
• What is a Community Advisory Panel?
• Who can become a member?
• What are the goals?
• When are the meetings?
• How long will I serve?
• I want to be a member

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Community Advisory Panel Regions and Counties

What is a Community Advisory Panel?

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) created Community Advisory Panels (CAP) to provide a forum for discussion of current utility issues, seek input from representatives across the state, and extend our ability to inform and educate consumers in Ohio.

The Community Advisory Panels serve as a resource for the OCC to expand our outreach and education efforts and provide an effective network for receiving consumer input and disseminating relevant utility information.

There is a Community Advisory Panel designated in the Central, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast and Northwest regions of the state. Each panel is composed of 30 to 35 volunteers who represent diverse constituencies.

Who can become a member?

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel is looking for people involved within their communities, members of professional organizations, employees of universities and human service agencies, representatives of low income groups, senior citizens and minorities and anyone interested in learning more about public utilities and educating others in the process.

What are the goals?

• Provide a communications channel for CAP members to advise OCC about community attitudes, opportunities and needs regarding utility issues.

• Identify current and long-term issues that impact residential utility customers.

• Provide a forum to enable OCC to keep you and your constituents current on the latest changes in the electric, natural gas, telecommunications and water industries.

• Assist OCC in its role as the residential utility advocate by working with the agency on grassroots education efforts to educate consumers about issues that are important to them.

When are the meetings?

Community Advisory Panel meetings are held in Fall and Spring of each year in each region. Meetings are often rotated to different locations within each region to ensure full access and participation from members. Special attention is given to schedule meetings where there is adequate free parking and accommodations for disabled participants.

How long will I serve?

Each Community Advisory Panel member will be asked to serve an indefinite term. If a member cannot attend one of the meetings, or does not wish to serve on the panel any longer, he or she can appoint another staff member from their organization to participate. OCC regularly reviews the participation and composition of the panel to ensure that everyone’s needs are being met. Membership is voluntary, and OCC does not provide reimbursement for transportation, or lodging expenses.

I want to be a member.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Advisory Panel member, please email outreach@occ.state.oh.us.

OCC has had to cancel many of its services, including its consumer call center, due to recent budget cuts. We realize you may continue to need assistance with your utility services. OCC's website provides free access to publications and resources.

You may seek assistance with utility complaints from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio: 800-686-7826. For complaints about non-utility related services, you may call the Ohio Attorney General at 800-282-0515.