Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

2007 Press Releases

Ohio Consumers' Counsel reacts to ban on winter disconnections, urges customers to call 1-877-PICKOCC for assistanceDec. 19, 2007
The OCC responds to the decision ordering a winter moratorium on energy shutoffs in Ohio for customers at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guideline.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel commends Gov. Strickland for energy shutoff moratorium requestDec. 18, 2007
The OCC commends Gov. Ted Strickland for strongly urging state regulators to consider a ban on shutting off customersâ heating sources during this winter season.
OCC calls for rate protection of Aqua Ohio customersDec. 17, 2007
The OCC opposes the request to increase water rates from Aqua Ohio Inc. because it exceeds what is considered just and reasonable. The company is asking to increase water rates an average of 26.6 percent in its Lake Erie, Lake Erie East, Seneca and Norlick service areas.
Consumers’ Counsel argues at Supreme Court of Ohio against telephone pricing decisionsDec. 12, 2007
The OCC presented oral arguments to the Supreme Court of Ohio in appeals of PUCO decisions which allow AT&T and Cincinnati Bell to fall under "alternative regulation" and increase the monthly price of basic local service and basic Caller ID for many customers by $1.25 and 50 cents, respectively, each year.
FirstEnergy latest utility to offer Ohioans green energy optionDec. 03, 2007
After a collaborative effort with the OCC, FirstEnergy is now offering a green pricing option which will allow consumers to support the use of renewable energy in and around Ohio.
Consumers’ Counsel’s advocacy helps lead to penalty against telephone service provider UMCCNov. 30, 2007
The OCC's efforts helped result in a $208,000 fine against UMCC Holdings, Inc. and a finding that the telephone company provided inadequate service. UMCC, the company that acquired the customer accounts of Buzz Telecom, must stop providing any telecommunications service in Ohio as well as cease billing and collecting payments from Ohio consumers.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel attorney David Bergmann receives national award for advocacy on behalf of telecommunications consumersNov. 19, 2007
The OCC's David Bergmann receives the “Outstanding Service Award,” the first of its kind, from the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA).
Consumers’ Counsel continues to advocate for victims of Buzz Telecom’s marketing practicesNov. 06, 2007
The OCC requests that the PUCO reconsider a decision that fined Buzz Telecom but did not require the company to identify Ohio consumers who had made payments or order that they receive refunds.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel reacts to Senate's passage of energy policy legislationOct. 31, 2007
The OCC reacts to the Ohio Senate's passage of statewide energy policy legislation, Substitute Senate Bill 221
Consumers’ Counsel calls for a review and hearing on FirstEnergy fuel chargesOct. 31, 2007
The OCC argues that fuel charges FirstEnergy seeks to impose on its customers should be reviewed and subject to a hearing. Based on FirstEnergy’s estimated fuel charges, an average residential consumer would pay more than $50 over the course of 12 months.
Migden-Ostrander named "Public Servant of the Year" by the Ohio Environmental CouncilOct. 26, 2007
Consumers’ Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander will be named "Public Servant of the Year" by the Ohio Environmental Council. The group cited her commitment to the potential cost savings that clean energy can produce for customers and the achievement of negotiating more than $100 million in cost- and energy-saving benefits for Ohio's residential consumers.
Consumers’ Counsel proposes amendments to natural gas legislation promoting energy efficiency and increased consumer safeguardsOct. 24, 2007
Important amendments to a state decoupling bill have been proposed by the OCC during testimony given by Janine Migden-Ostrander. The amendments include comprehensive energy efficiency programs and consumer protection safeguards.
Consumers’ Counsel proposes energy bill amendments: Residential customer protections and safeguards recommendedOct. 16, 2007
Important amendments to a state energy bill have been proposed by the OCC. The amendments are needed to protect Ohio’s 4.2 million residential electricity customers.
Staying connected with heating sources easier with variety of Ohio’s assistance programsOct. 15, 2007
Ohio's residential utility consumers have a variety of programs available that can help them stay connected to their heating sources and telephone service.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel argues against power plant charges at Supreme Court of OhioOct. 09, 2007
The OCC presented oral arguments to the Supreme Court of Ohio in the appeal of a decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) that approved rate increases for customers of American Electric Power. The PUCO allowed AEP to increase rates to recover an estimated $23.7 million for research and pre-construction costs related to the building of a coal power plant.
Long-time Ohio Consumers’ Counsel lawyer receives national Golden Phone awardOct. 04, 2007
The OCC's David Bergmann receives the 2007 Golden Phone Award at the annual meeting of Community Voice Mail, a national nonprofit organization.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel reacts to penalty imposed against Buzz TelecomOct. 03, 2007
The OCC is pleased that Buzz Telecom was held accountable by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for its poor service and deceptive sales tactics.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel to once again resolve utility complaints starting October 1: 1-877-PICKOCCSep. 27, 2007
Beginning October 1, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel again will be able to work one-on-one with consumers to resolve utility complaints.
Windstream increases prices of some local telephone featuresSep. 17, 2007
The OCC alerts local telephone customers of Windstream Ohio and Windstream Western Reserve of price increases for several commonly-used services.
Verizon increases prices of some customers' local telephone featuresAug. 31, 2007
The OCC alerts Verizon local telephone customers to price increases for several commonly-used services.
Strickland energy proposal comprehensive; OCC to look for more consumer protectionsAug. 29, 2007
The OCC appreciates the comprehensive policy approach introduced by Gov. Ted Strickland but believes more can be done to protect consumers.
Renewable option to be available for FirstEnergy customersAug. 15, 2007
A cooperative effort between the OCC and FirstEnergy has resulted in the creation of the Green Pricing Option. This program will allow consumers to support the use of renewable energy in Ohio.
Launch of GoGreen provides Duke Energy's Ohio customers a new choiceJul. 16, 2007
A cooperative effort between the OCC and Duke Energy resulted in a newly launched GoGreen program. Customers can now sign up to promote the use of electricity from renewable resources.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel responds to gas riser safety decision; will keep consumers best interest in mind for recovery of costsJul. 11, 2007
Customer safety was addressed in today's decision by state regulators regarding the replacement of leaking natural gas risers the OCC announced.
Consumers’ Counsel: Demand side management programs positive for Duke customersJul. 11, 2007
New demand side management programs offered by Duke Energy will allow customers to save money and use energy more efficiently.
Consumers’ Counsel: Embarq customers deserve all telephone safeguardsJul. 09, 2007
The OCC and other consumer groups are opposing a request by Embarq to be exempt from some of Ohio's telephone consumer protections.
Consumers' Counsel regains complaint handling authority; praises Governor and legislatureJun. 30, 2007
The OCC praises Governor Strickland and the Ohio General Assembly for restoring the agency's complaint-handling authority through the state's new budget.
Consumers’ Counsel: At $15.2 million cost, all Vectren customers should be afforded energy efficiency opportunitiesJun. 28, 2007
The OCC is disappointed with a PUCO decision that charges all Vectren customers $15.2 million in exchange for a low-income weatherization program of only $2 million.
Consumers’ Counsel reacts to decision on potential AT&T basic rate increasesJun. 27, 2007
The OCC reacts to a decision by state regulators that will allow AT&T to increase basic local service rates annually in eight areas, while denying this flexibility in three communities.
Consumers’ Counsel proposes stronger Electric Service and Safety StandardsJun. 08, 2007
The OCC is recommending the PUCO adopt improvements to service reliability, stronger enforcement of rules, better consumer protections and mandates for public reporting processes to the Electric Service and Safety Standards that will better serve Ohio's residential electric consumers.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel asks for default judgment against long-distance company UMCCJun. 08, 2007
The OCC asks for a default judgment against UMCC, the company that is alleged to be providing long-distance service without the certificate required by state regulators.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel opposes Columbia plan to charge all customers to replace leaking natural gas risersJun. 07, 2007
The OCC is concerned about a plan by Columbia that would raise all customer bills to pay for the replacement of the leaking natural gas risers.
Green power program would provide new option for FirstEnergy customersMay. 29, 2007
The OCC, FirstEnergy and the staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio worked cooperatively to propose a green energy option for consumers. The option would provide FirstEnergy customers the chance to promote the use of renewable sources to produce electricity.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel recommends customer friendly changes to Vectren's bill formatsMay. 15, 2007
The OCC recommends that the PUCO require Vectren to offer alternative bill formats, including large print, Braille and Spanish versions, to its customers.
Approval of GoGreen program will provide Duke Energy’s Ohio customers a new choiceMay. 09, 2007
An important new energy option approved by state regulators will provide Duke Energy’s Ohio customers the ability to promote the use of electricity from renewable resources. The two-year pilot program, called GoGreen Power, is a cooperative effort involving the OCC and Duke.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel files complaint against long-distance company UMCCMay. 07, 2007
The OCC files a complaint against UMCC, a company that is allegedly providing long-distance service without the certificate required by state regulators. In December, UMCC acquired the customer accounts of Buzz Telecom, an Indiana-based company that has been the target of customer complaints of misleading marketing practices and switching long-distance service without customers’ permission.
Approval of green power program will give American Electric Power customers a new choiceMay. 02, 2007
The OCC was pleased with the approval of a new Green Pricing Option for American Electric Power (AEP) customers. The option was the result of an effort between the OCC, AEP, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio staff and other parties.
Consumers’ Counsel: Verizon customers deserve more benefits due to company’s poor serviceMay. 01, 2007
The OCC told state regulators that a proposed settlement involving Verizon’s local telephone service is inadequate and not in the public’s interest.
Consumers’ Counsel asks Ohio Supreme Court to decide if Vectren accounting decision is legalApr. 30, 2007
The OCC today asked the Ohio Supreme Court to reverse a PUCO decision that could increase rates for Vectren customers.
Consumers’ Counsel: Columbia customers deserve millions in credits; auction process could help produce lower ratesApr. 18, 2007
The OCC believes that Columbia Gas customers are entitled to credits of approximately $70 million. In addition, the OCC is recommending an auction process that could result in lower rates.
Consumers’ Counsel pleased with AEP’s withdrawal of request to raise ratesApr. 18, 2007
The OCC believes that a request by American Electric Power (AEP) to withdraw a proposed plan to raise customers’ rates is good news for residential consumers. Under the plan, AEP would have been able to raise customers’ rates to try to improve its service.
Consumers’ Counsel argues against Dayton Power & Light rate increases at Supreme Court of OhioApr. 17, 2007
The OCC presented its oral arguments to the Supreme Court of Ohio in a case involving changes made to a Dayton Power & Light (DP&L) agreement that are raising customers’ electric rates. The OCC argues that the decision approving the changes was unlawful and should be overturned.
OCC appeals AT&T pricing freedom decision to Supreme CourtApr. 13, 2007
The OCC appeals to the Supreme Court of Ohio a decision allowing AT&T pricing freedom to raise rates for the most basic of telephone services.
AT&T Communications customers need to choose new providerApr. 10, 2007
AT&T Communications customers must make a decision regarding their local telephone service as the company leaves the AT&T Ohio service area.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel opposes Vectren request to recover natural gas riser related costsApr. 04, 2007
The OCC is opposing Vectren's request to recover over $200,000 it has allegedly already spent on the natural gas riser investigation and up to $2 million in future costs to repair or replace natural gas riser in relation to the PUCO ordered investigation.
Consumers’ Counsel asks Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn decision allowing Cincinnati Bell rate increasesMar. 30, 2007
Consumers’ Counsel asks Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn a decision allowing Cincinnati Bell to increase customers' rates.
PUCO decision on renewable power and smart meters is a victory for Ohio Consumers' CounselMar. 28, 2007
The OCC reacts to a decision by state regulators that will help remove some obstacles that have prevented more Ohio residents and businesses from receiving pricing options and generating renewable electricity. While more must be done, the OCC said the decision is a significant step forward.
Green power program would provide new option for AEP Ohio customersMar. 26, 2007
The OCC, American Electric Power (AEP), the staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and other parties worked cooperatively toward the creation of a new Green Pricing Option. If approved by PUCO Commissioners, AEP customers would be able to help promote the use of electricity from renewable resources.
Comparing local telephone plans is easier at www.pickocc.orgMar. 23, 2007
Residential consumers in Verizon's service area now have an easier way to compare their local telephone choices. The new interactive tool that allows consumers to choose features and compare telephone plans based on their needs and wants.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel opposes Columbia request to recover natural gas riser related costsMar. 21, 2007
The OCC is opposing Columbia's request to recover over $250,000 it has allegedly already spent on the natural gas riser investigation and up to $8 million in future costs to repair or replace natural gas riser.
Water quality, service issues to be remedied by Ohio American WaterMar. 07, 2007
The agreement reached between the OCC, PUCO staff and Ohio American Water in January that will improve water quality and water service was approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Consumers’ Counsel calls selection of new PUCO Commissioner an excellent choiceFeb. 23, 2007
The OCC reacts to the selection of Paul Centolella to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Consumers’ Counsel reacts to changes to Ohio’s telephone consumer protectionsFeb. 07, 2007
The OCC reacts to a decision by state regulators that maintains important telephone protections but scales back others.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel makes recommendations for handling potential natural gas riser leaksFeb. 05, 2007
The Consumers' Counsel is submitting recommendations to state regulators on how to handle the issue of leaking natural gas risers.
Customers to benefit from suspension of AT&T charge for copies of long-distance billsFeb. 01, 2007
The OCC reacts to the suspension of a fee AT&T had begun to charge for printed copies of past long-distance bills.
Consumers gain Columbus public hearing about American Electric Power service reliability and potential rate increaseFeb. 01, 2007
In a response to an OCC request, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio scheduled a local public hearing on Feb. 22 for consumers in the Columbus area to voice their opinions.
Consumers' Counsel requests suspension of new AT&T charge for copies of long-distance billsJan. 30, 2007
The OCC has requested that AT&T's new $5 fee for printed copies of past long-distance bills be suspended. Many consumers requesting past bills as part of the tax credit refund could pay more for the bills than the amount of the refund to which they are entitled.
Consumers' Counsel alerts telephone customers to one-time tax refund opportunityJan. 22, 2007
The OCC alerts consumers to a special one-time long-distance tax refund available through their federal income tax forms.
Interactive tool helps consumers make homes more energy efficientJan. 18, 2007
The OCC has created an interactive tool called the Smart Energy House to help consumers learn where they use their energy, what it could be costing them and what can be done to be more efficient.
Consumers' Counsel advocates for new rate options for customers of AEP and FirstEnergyJan. 16, 2007
The OCC advocates that customers of American Electric Power and FirstEnergy be able to purchase an environmentally friendly green option at a price determined through a competitive bid. Additionally, a cost-benefit analysis should be conducted to find out if holding competitive bids for standard power would be advantageous for customers.
Ohio American Water to fix problems with serviceJan. 12, 2007
An agreement was reached between the OCC, PUCO staff and Ohio American Water that will result in improvements to water quality and service. Ohio American Water will take aggressive measures to remedy its water quality and service problems that were raised by consumers and the OCC.
Cincinnati Bell customers' rates increaseJan. 09, 2007
The OCC alerts Cincinnati Bell Telephone customers of a monthly rate increase of $1.25 in the Cincinnati and Hamilton exchanges. The OCC believes Cincinnati Bell did not sufficiently meet the minimum requirements needed to institute this type of increase and has requested the PUCO reconsider its decision in the case.

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