Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

2010 Press Releases

Statement from Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander following Ohio Supreme Court decision to uphold Vectren customer charge increaseDec. 23, 2010
The Supreme Court of Ohio today denied a request by the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) to remove the second year of a phased-in increase to fixed customer charges for residential customers of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio. The OCC sought this decision because it argued that customers were not lawfully notified about the increase.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel statement on American Electric Power withdrawal of excessive earnings agreementDec. 17, 2010
The Ohio Consumers' Counsel today issued a statement in response to American Electric Power withdrawing its agreement on its significantly excessive earnings test, fuel adjustment clause proceeding and merger of its distribution utilities - Columbus Southern Power and Ohio Power.
Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel advocacy leads to $35 million savings for Duke Energy Ohio customersDec. 16, 2010
The OCC has saved Duke Energy Ohio customers $35 million through its advocacy to remove fixed generation revenues the utility charged for electricity saved by implementing energy efficiency programs.
New OCC handbook guides consumers to harnessing the sun's energyDec. 02, 2010
The Ohio Consumers' Counsel has created a new resource for residential consumers interested in solar energy. The Solar Makes Cents handbook provides all of the information needed to install solar energy at their homes.
Consumers' Counsel against excessive earnings settlement filed by AEPNov. 30, 2010
The Ohio Consumers' Counsel is opposing an American Electric Power settlement that would allow the utility to keep an average of $102 from each of its Columbus Southern Power customers.
Four remaining public hearings to be held on FirstEnergy all-electric issueNov. 16, 2010
FirstEnergy customers have four more opportunities to testify about the all-electric issue when the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio hosts public hearings Nov. 18 and Nov. 22-23.
Low-income Columbia Gas customers receive additional bill payment assistanceNov. 12, 2010
Residential customers having difficulty paying their Columbia Gas of Ohio bills received a much-needed boost today after eligibility for a fuel fund was expanded.
Dominion customers see increases to fixed customer chargesNov. 10, 2010
Although Dominion East Ohio residential customers have continued to benefit from relatively low natural gas prices, their fixed distribution charges have continued to rise. In October, the monthly customer charge increased from $15.40 to $17.58. This is the last of three increases to the fixed distribution portion of customers' bills.
Just Energy agrees to pay penalty as part of settlement with OCC and PUCO staffNov. 04, 2010
Stringent compliance procedures will be required for a natural gas marketer to continue doing business in Ohio. Just Energy, an independent supplier based in Canada, agreed to the measures after numerous complaints about unfair and deceptive door-to-door marketing practices led state regulators to consider seeking revocation of the company's certification to do business. Just Energy agreed to terms to settle the issue, but admitted no wrongdoing.
Consumers' Counsel call for reduction of AEP costs denied by PUCOOct. 22, 2010
American Electric Power customers will pay an extra $87 million in costs after the PUCO rejected arguments from the OCC that said it improperly approved three charges related to environmental investments, reliability and the smart grid.
Reminder: Public hearings scheduled next week on FirstEnergy all-electric issueOct. 22, 2010
The OCC reminds FirstEnergy customers that three public hearings on the all-electric issue are scheduled for Oct. 25-27.
OCC files complaint against IGS marketing tacticsOct. 21, 2010
Interstate Gas Supply Inc. (IGS) has subjected residential Columbia Gas of Ohio customers to a deceptive marketing campaign, according to the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC).
Assistance programs available to help residential customers avoid disconnection of electric, gas servicesOct. 18, 2010
As another winter approaches, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) reminds consumers having difficulty paying their energy bills that several options are available to help stay connected.
OCC asks Ohio Supreme Court to lower Vectren's distribution charges to residential customersOct. 13, 2010
Residential customers of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio were not properly notified of increases to their distribution rates, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) today argued before the Supreme Court of Ohio. The OCC asked the Supreme Court justices to return the distribution customer charge and volumetric rates to levels that existed prior to February 2010.
American Electric Power utility's earnings 'significantly excessive,' $156 million refund due to customersOct. 13, 2010
Customers of American Electric Power's utility, Columbus Southern Power, are due a refund of up to $156 million after an Ohio Consumers' Counsel analysis concluded profits earned under the utility's electric security plan were "significantly excessive."
AEP customers to be overcharged for electricity investmentsSep. 24, 2010
The OCC has asked the PUCO, in multiple filings, to reconsider its decisions that will result in American Electric Power customers overpaying the utility by $87 million.
OCC waiver request denied of minimum PIPP payment requirementSep. 24, 2010
Residential consumers on the percentage of income payment program (PIPP Plus) with no or limited monthly household incomes will have to make a minimum monthly payment of $20 for gas and electric service beginning November 2010.
Columbia Gas consumers alerted to potentially confusing marketing materialsSep. 22, 2010
Interstate Gas Supply Inc. (IGS) is soliciting customers under a new name that may cause confusion, according to the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC). The residential utility consumer advocate said Columbia Gas of Ohio customers are receiving solicitations from IGS, an independent retail natural gas supplier, under the name of Columbia Retail Energy.
Low-income Aqua Ohio customers have assistance to help with water billsSep. 17, 2010
Income-qualifying customers served in Aqua Ohio's Masury Division now have funds available to help pay water bills as a result of action taken by the Ohio Consumers' Counsel. Similar funds also are available in Aqua Ohio's other service territories.
Lifeline telephone assistance keeps Ohioans connectedSep. 13, 2010
The OCC and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, with support from Gov. Ted Strickland, are reminding low-income families that they can stay connected to local resources and emergency services through telephone assistance programs.
Consumers' Counsel helps strengthen electric reliability standardsSep. 08, 2010
The electric reliability standards that utilities must meet are now stronger because of agreements among the OCC, the staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and three utilities.
Agreement to limit Aqua Ohio Lake Erie Division increase approvedSep. 07, 2010
An agreement among the OCC, Aqua Ohio and the PUCO staff was recently approved and will limit the amount Aqua will be able to charge its customers.
Consumers can speak about proposed Duke nuclear power plantSep. 03, 2010
The OCC encourages customers of Duke Energy to voice their opinions about the potential construction of a multi-billion dollar nuclear power plant.
Consumers' Counsel disappointed in PUCO approval of FirstEnergy rate planAug. 25, 2010
The OCC criticizes a decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that failed to secure the lowest possible standard service rates for FirstEnergy's customers by approving the utility's rate plan.
Guest column: Financial incentives exist to do energy efficiency projects by year's endAug. 16, 2010
With federal energy efficiency tax credits set to expire by year's end, now is the perfect time to explore home improvements that would save money on monthly electric and natural gas bills.
Consumers' Counsel files wind turbine complaint against FirstEnergyAug. 12, 2010
FirstEnergy customers wishing to produce their own electric power from wind turbines face unlawful and burdensome obstacles created by the company, the OCC charged today in a complaint filed against the utility.
Guest column: Voice mail available to consumers in crisisAug. 09, 2010
With jobs being eliminated and people losing their homes to foreclosure, many consumers need resources and relief. For the past year, the OCC has partnered with Leader Technologies and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks to offer a free service, Leader Voice Mail, for individuals without access to telephone service in the 419 area code.
OCC: Interest should be added to any refunds due in delayed excess earnings caseAug. 04, 2010
Any refunds due to consumers because of significantly excessive earnings by electric companies should include interest, according to the OCC. The OCC asserts that interest related to 2009 earnings should begin accruing Jan. 1, 2011.
Leader Voice Mail serving Northwest Ohio consumers in needAug. 04, 2010
A partnership involving the OCC continues to help bring free Leader Voice Mail service to northwest and north central Ohio residents in crisis.
Letter to the editor on Duke property taxesAug. 02, 2010
If Duke Energy presses forward to reduce its property taxes paid to schools and local governments, the utility should be required to refund to customers any portion of the taxes that are currently included in its rates.
Consumers Counsel helps reduce proposed Aqua Ohio rate increase by nearly halfJul. 30, 2010
An agreement signed among the OCC, Aqua Ohio and the staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will reduce significantly a proposed rate increase from 19 percent to 9.71 percent. The agreement covers the rates paid by customers in Aqua's Lake Erie division, which includes customers in northeastern and northwestern Ohio.
Consumers alerted to AT&T price hike on basic local telephone serviceJul. 28, 2010
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, the residential utility consumer advocate, alerts AT&T-Ohio customers with stand-alone basic service in city and suburban areas that their rates will be increasing by $1.25 per month. The increases will become effective when tariffs are officially filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). The filings are expected to occur in October.
Beat the Heat: Ohio Consumers' Counsel to educate ratepayers at the Ohio State FairJul. 21, 2010
Residential consumers can save money on their energy bills while staying cool this summer. That's the message the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) will share with fairgoers at its booth in the Marketplace building at the 2010 Ohio State Fair from July 28 through Aug. 8.
Consumers' Counsel responds to undue delay in excess earnings casesJul. 16, 2010
Further delays at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio could mean the denial of refunds to customers of one of American Electric Power's operating companies, Columbus Southern Power.
Public hearings set in Aqua Ohio rate caseJun. 30, 2010
The OCC is encouraging customers of Aqua Ohio's Lake Erie Division to testify at two local public hearings about the utility's request to increase overall rates by 19 percent.
Ohio American Water denied in request to regain rate increasesJun. 25, 2010
Ohio American Water was denied in its request to regain nearly $6 million related to its most recent rate case after the Ohio Consumers' Counsel argued the utility did not comply with the law.
Summer Crisis Program helps low-income families stay connectedJun. 23, 2010
The hot summer months can be dangerous to the health of consumers who have difficulty paying higher utility bills. With an estimated one in nine Ohio residential utility customers experiencing disconnection of either their electric or natural gas service for non-payment during the past year, the need for assistance programs such as the Summer Crisis Program is more vital than ever.
Aqua Ohio rate hike request should be limited, OCC saysJun. 22, 2010
A rate increase request from Aqua Ohio should be limited in its Lake Erie Division, the OCC said yesterday in objections filed at the PUCO.
Statement from Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander following passage of the telecommunications deregulation billJun. 04, 2010
In response to yesterday's vote by the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate to pass legislation deregulating the telecommunications industry, the following statement can be attributed to Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander: "While we were pleased that the General Assembly incorporated the most consumer-friendly provisions from both the Senate and House versions, the OCC remains concerned about the long-term effects of this legislation on residential landline telephone consumers, particularly those with bundles or packages of services."
Students' artwork shines in Ohio Consumers' Counsel bookmark contestJun. 03, 2010
Nine student winners have been chosen for the Ohio Energy Project's bookmark contest sponsored by the OCC.
AEP customers to begin paying for energy efficiency programsJun. 01, 2010
American Electric Power will collect a new charge from customers to pay for energy efficiency programs the utility has already offered or plans to offer through 2011. Columbus Southern Power customers will pay $2.84 per month and Ohio Power customers will pay $2.94 per month based on an average monthly usage of 1,000 kilowatt-hours.
New charges to appear on Duke Energy Ohio billsMay. 19, 2010
New charges will appear on Duke Energy Ohio's customer bills to pay for the utility's electric smart grid and natural gas advanced meter improvements.
Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel opposes Dominion's proposed natural gas storage lease agreement with interstate affiliateMay. 18, 2010
The potential for higher rates may be in the future for residential customers of the Dominion East Ohio Gas Co. if a proposed lease agreement between the utility and its interstate pipeline affiliate is approved.
Cost for installation of Dominion's automatic meter reading devices to increaseMay. 06, 2010
Customers of the Dominion East Ohio Gas Co. will see a 17 cent increase to a rider on their monthly bills. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved the utility's request to raise its charge for the installation of automatic meter reading devices. An automatic meter reading device allows the utility to read a customer's gas meter by driving by the home rather than having to manually walk up to each meter.
Rate increase for Ohio American Water customers limitedMay. 06, 2010
A decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that accounted for some OCC recommendations will limit the rate increase Ohio American Water customers will experience.
Statement from Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander concerning additional time taken to review FirstEnergy electric security planApr. 29, 2010
Statement from Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander concerning additional time taken to review FirstEnergy electric security plan
OCC asks PUCO to protect consumers by rejecting Dominion's request to increase automatic meter installation costsApr. 29, 2010
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) should reject a request by the Dominion East Ohio Gas Co. to raise its charge for the installation of automatic meters from 30 cents per customer per month to 49 cents. Instead, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) filed a brief this week asking the PUCO to reduce the charge to 27.1 cents per customer per month because the utility failed to achieve cost savings expected when the PUCO approved a settlement permitting the charge.
OCC: FirstEnergy agreement should be rejected by PUCOApr. 16, 2010
The PUCO should reject FirstEnergy's electric security plan agreement, the OCC said in testimony about the case. The PUCO should instead make a decision on the utility's pending market rate offer.
Aqua Ohio Masury Division rate increase to be phased in over four yearsApr. 14, 2010
A rate increase sought by Aqua Ohio will be phased in under an agreement reached by the utility, the OCC and the PUCO staff.
Eight public hearings scheduled in First Energy rate caseApr. 13, 2010
FirstEnergy customers will have eight public hearings to testify about the utility's proposed electric security plan. The public hearings were scheduled from April 19-27.
Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates object to proposed FirstEnergy rate increaseMar. 24, 2010
An application and settlement filed by FirstEnergy, the PUCO staff and others March 23 proposes significant distribution rate increases for consumers, the Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates said. The FirstEnergy agreement also addresses several issues pending at the PUCO that could raise consumers' rates as well.
Cincinnati Bell basic service rates increased in 12 ExchangesMar. 23, 2010
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel advises customers of Cincinnati Bell that rates for basic local exchange service primary and additional lines have increased.
Fuel Fund money remains available to assist income-eligible households served by Columbia Gas of OhioMar. 23, 2010
Bill-paying assistance remains available from Columbus Gas of Ohio for households earning between 175 and 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines, according to the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC).
Energy efficient appliances rebate program launches March 26; Ohio credits expected to go quicklyMar. 22, 2010
The Ohio Consumers' Counsel makes consumers aware that on March 26, the Ohio Department of Development will launch the Ohio Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program. Rebates are expected to be exhausted in a few weeks so consumers interested in the program are encouraged to act quickly. Rebates range from $100-$250.
Assistance available for low-income Aqua Ohio customersMar. 19, 2010
As part of a settlement with the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, assistance for low-income Aqua Ohio customers is now available in the utility's Lake Erie, Stark and Struthers divisions.
Winter Crisis Program assisting consumers to end at close of heating seasonMar. 17, 2010
The OCC reminds income-eligible consumers facing disconnection of their heating services to apply for assistance from the Home Energy Assistance Program Winter Crisis Program before March 31 when the winter heating season ends.
Telephone deregulation bill leaves customers with bundled services without protectionsMar. 17, 2010
According to the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), telephone deregulation legislation passed today by the House of Representatives will leave thousands of residential customers with bundled telephone services with few consumer protections.
Public hearing scheduled for Aqua Ohio Masury Division consumersMar. 11, 2010
Customers of Aqua Ohio's Masury Division have the opportunity to testify at a public hearing about the utility's proposed 80.3 percent rate increase.
OCC asks PUCO to clarify order to restore FirstEnergy discountsMar. 08, 2010
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) today asked the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to clarify its decision to restore discounts to FirstEnergy's all-electric customers.
OCC: Supreme Court should reject AEP appeal related to Ormet discountMar. 04, 2010
The OCC has asked the Supreme Court of Ohio to reject an appeal from American Electric Power seeking to retain profits for services it is not providing.
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel will educate consumers during National Consumer Protection WeekMar. 04, 2010
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) joins other agencies and partners to provide consumers with tools to make wiser financial decisions during National Consumer Protection Week, March 7-13. The theme of this year's activities is "Dollars and Sense: Rated A for All Ages."
OCC supports decision to restore FirstEnergy all-electric discountsMar. 03, 2010
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) today supported a decision that temporarily restores discounts to some customers of FirstEnergy living in all-electric homes.
OCC requests temporary and immediate rate relief for FirstEnergy's all-electric customers, review rate impact on billsFeb. 25, 2010
The OCC took action today on behalf of more than 100,000 customers of FirstEnergy living in "all-electric" homes. The residential consumer advocate filed a pleading with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) asking for temporary and immediate relief from rate increases that some have reported being as high as 300 percent more than what they were paying a year ago.
Columbia Gas of Ohio customers may continue seeing lower billsFeb. 24, 2010
As a result of the first wholesale auction for Columbus Gas of Ohio, customers will see lower prices, according to the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC).
Costs of 2008 windstorm should not be collected by Duke Energy says OCCFeb. 24, 2010
The OCC has asked the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to deny Duke Energy Ohio's request to charge customers $31 million for costs it spent to restore service because of a 2008 windstorm caused by Hurricane Ike.
OCC objects to FirstEnergy's attempt to collect costs of failed CFL program from residential customersFeb. 18, 2010
FirstEnergy's compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) program continues to cost too much money, the OCC said in comments filed at the PUCO. The OCC has objected to a request the utility has made to collect costs from its fail CFL program that will not benefit customers in the redesigned program.
Ashtabula and Tiffin: Consumers to voice opinions, concerns at Ohio American Water public hearingsFeb. 18, 2010
Ashtabula and Tiffin: Consumers to voice opinions, concerns at Ohio American Water public hearings
OCC: Consumers should benefit from the Frontier-Verizon mergerFeb. 11, 2010
More access to broadband and improved service quality are some of the benefits for Ohio residential customers as a result of the merger between Frontier Communications Corp. and Verizon Communications, Inc., according to Consumers' Counsel, Janine Migden-Ostrander.
OCC: Collaborative group of experts develop more meaningful consumer programsFeb. 09, 2010
New legislation has been introduced in the Ohio House that would create an advisory group of experts to review electric and natural energy efficiency programs in Ohio. The group would ensure a transparent and collaborative process takes place in the development of programs intended to help consumers become more energy efficient and ensure unreasonable costs are not added to customers' bills.
Public hearings scheduled in Ashtabula and Tiffin regarding Ohio American Water proposed rate increaseJan. 29, 2010
Public hearings for the Ohio American Water proposed rate increase have been added in the Ashtabula and Tiffin. The OCC requested these two locations be added to the hearing schedule so more than 20,000 OAW residential customers have the opportunity to speak about the proposed rate increase.
Ohio American Water withdraws step-increase rate proposal; OCC maintains water rate decrease recommendationJan. 20, 2010
Ohio American Water has filed a letter with the PUCO announcing it will remove the step-increase portion of its proposed increase request from its rate case. The OCC maintains that residential water consumers are warranted a rate decrease.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel Migden-Ostrander earns regional leadership awardJan. 14, 2010
Advocating for energy efficiency benefits has earned Ohio Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander the Inspiring Efficiency Leadership Award. It will be presented by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance as part of the alliance's Midwest Energy Solutions Conference.
Consumers' Counsel recommends changes to FirstEnergy's proposals for generation serviceJan. 08, 2010
FirstEnergy's proposed bidding process to arrive at the generation rates customers will pay should be permitted but greatly modified.
OCC: Rate decrease warranted for residential water customers of Ohio American WaterJan. 05, 2010
Residential customers of Ohio American Water (OAW) would pay lower rates based on reductions sought by the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC). The consumer advocate yesterday filed testimony with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) asking to amend a proposed OAW rate increase.

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