Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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The Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) provides knowledgeable outreach and education professionals to talk about issues concerning the electric, natural gas, telecommunications and water industries. Speakers are available free of charge and are prepared to cover a variety of topics to groups of 30 or more during the day and groups of 50 or more after 6 p.m. The length and content of presentations are determined by the needs of the audience.

How Do I Schedule A Speaker?

To schedule a speaker, call (614) 728-6490 or toll free at 1-877-742-5622. You can also send your request right now by completing a speakers' bureau request form. Call the hotline or e-mail the office preferably two weeks in advance to schedule a speaker.

Presentation Topics

• Energy
• Telecommunications
• General
• Interactive Presentations
• Lunch And Learn

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Customer Choice/Energy Choice

The major natural gas utilities in Ohio offer their customers the choice of buying their natural gas from an energy supplier. Learn the potential benefits that choice provides and how to make the best decision for you when choosing a natural gas or electric supplier.

Dominion Changes the Way It Purchases Natural Gas

Dominion East Ohio has changed the way it purchases natural gas for their customers. This change will affect customers who have not selected an alternative natural gas supplier. Learn how this change may impact you.

Smart Energy Tips

Save money on your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient. Hear tips on how to decrease your energy usage with no cost or low cost changes to save money on your electric, natural gas and water bills. Also, learn about energy efficient appliances and ways to weatherize your home to lower your heating costs.

Ohio’s Energy Future…Wind, Solar, Biomass

With a limited supply of fossil fuels and increased energy costs it is important to look for alternative forms of energy. Learn about Ohio’s potential for wind energy, the possibility of solar and biomass, as well as receive an update on current projects.

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Trouble on the Line...From Fine Print to Fraud

It is easy to fall victim to telephone and Internet scams. Learn how to protect yourself from scams and secure the privacy of your telephone records.

How To Better Understand Your Telephone Bill  

Telephone bills can be difficult to understand. Learn what the charges mean on your telephone bill and how to make sure that you are not overcharged.

Dialing Up Your Local Telephone Choices

Choosing a local phone company can be confusing. What are the benefits? Are there hidden costs? Learn how to make the best choice for your household.

Comparing Home Telephone to Cellular Service

Some consumers are choosing to replace their land line telephone service with VoIP or cellular. Learn the pros and cons of these choices. Also, learn about long-distance service options.

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Consumer Protection

Protect yourself from unscrupulous sales practices. Learn how to identify scams and how to effectively say "no" to those who try to sell unnecessary goods and services. Receive information about your rights as well as where to call for assistance.

Ohio Consumers' Counsel Overview

A presentation on the role of the OCC and how the agency can assist residential consumers with utility issues.

Managing Your Utility Bills

As utility costs rise, learn how to manage your electric, natural gas and telephone bills. This program will discuss utility assistance programs, budget billing and energy efficiency.

Stay Connected

Learn about the resources available to help keep utility services connected. This train-the-trainer program is offered to agencies and organizations that try to help consumers with disconnection and reconnection issues. Topics covered in the discussion include an overview of OCC services, utility assistance programs, payment arrangements and budget billing.

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Beach Ball Bingo

A fun way to present utility information. Participants listen for utility -related words in an OCC presentation and mark it off on a Bingo card. Winners receive a prize.

Utility Survivor for High School and College Students

Modeled after the hit reality television show, this game leads participants through the maze of how to establish utility service.

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Brown Bag Discussion Series

Organizations and companies can schedule sessions to provide an opportunity for their employees to learn about their utilities during the lunch hour (or any time during the workday). Popular presentation topics include Smart Energy Tips and Ohio’s Energy Future – wind, solar and biomass.