Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Consumers’ Counsel will monitor Dominion auction process closely

COLUMBUS, Ohio – August 28, 2006 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) will be closely watching the Aug. 29 auction that will determine the price for natural gas that some Dominion customers will pay over a 23-month period beginning in October. The residential utility consumer advocate plans to monitor the process in order to evaluate the closing price. The OCC wants to ensure that the winning bid is in the best interest of those customers who have not yet chosen an alternative supplier.

“The OCC encourages alternative suppliers to come to the auction and actively participate in the process,” said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel. “We are hopeful that the auction will produce a fair and competitive rate and provide savings for residential customers.”

After the Aug. 29 auction, the winning bid will be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for approval. If approved, customers would see the new rate, called the Standard Service Offer, instead of the long-standing Gas Cost Recovery (GCR) rate beginning with their October bills. None of these changes affect those customers who currently are with an alternative supplier.res while agreeing to cap the rates of basic local service and basic Caller ID.

In April 2005, Dominion filed a two-phase proposal with the PUCO to change the way it purchases natural gas for its customers. During Phase 1, Dominion would obtain natural gas through an auction process for customers who have not chosen an alternative supplier. The auction will involve wholesale natural gas suppliers. Dominion would continue to deliver the natural gas to customers. In addition, Dominion would step in and provide natural gas to customers in the event any natural gas supplier did not provide the agreed upon supply.

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.