Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

News Release

OCC concerned about Cincinnati Bell plan to limit white pages distributionJan. 06, 2008
The OCC seeks consumer protections to ensure that residential consumers who want or need a printed white pages telephone directory continue to be able to receive one free of charge.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel offers free weatherization workshops to help residents meet New Year's resolutions to save moneyDec. 29, 2008
Given the state of the economy, many consumers' New Year's resolutions will involve saving money. To help consumers meet their New Year's resolutions, the OCC is offering free weatherization workshops around the state.
Ohio consumer groups file to lower FirstEnergy's rates for Ohio Edison and Toledo Edison customersDec. 23, 2008
FirstEnergy's rates for its Ohio Edison and Toledo Edison customers should be reduced beginning in 2009, the OCC, along with other consumer groups, told the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in a filing.
FirstEnergy not allowed to collect billions in future costs, generation rates reducedDec. 19, 2008
Several arguments made by the OCC in the FirstEnergy electric security plan case were accepted by the PUCO that will benefit residential consumers.
Consumers' Counsel: Decision on AEP's temporary rates fair to consumersDec. 19, 2008
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel is pleased that its recommendations were supported through a decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to keep American Electric Power (AEP) rates stable through February 2009.
PUCO adjusts Dominion revenue increase amountDec. 19, 2008
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today approved a change to its original order in the Dominion distribution rate case. The decision restored the amount of the annual revenue increase for the natural gas utility to $40.5 million, the amount authorized in the stipulated agreement signed by the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, the PUCO staff, Dominion and other interested parties and approved by the Commission on August 25.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel responds to PUCO's telephone disconnection changesDec. 18, 2008
The OCC responds to a decision removing a safety net for telephone customers facing disconnection for non-payment of bills for "bundled services" with options ranging from call waiting and call forwarding to satellite television and Internet access.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel: Duke Energy residential customers will see lower electric ratesDec. 17, 2008
A decision by the PUOC to modify an agreement between the OCC, Duke Energy and others on the utility's electric security plan has left the residential utility advocate with mixed reactions.
Embarq granted basic local service pricing freedom for 25 exchanges, denied for 19 exchangesDec. 17, 2008
Basic local service rates could increase for Embarq customers in 25 exchanges, however 19 communities were spared due to a decision released today by state regulators.
Ohio consumer partnership calls for investigation of electric utilities' service reliabilityDec. 15, 2008
A newly-formed partnership of consumer groups -- Consumers for Reliable Electricity in Ohio -- requests that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio investigate each of Ohio's investor-owned electric utilities, American Electric Power, Dayton Power & Light, Duke Energy and FirstEnergy, to determine whether they are doing enough to limit the breadth and depth of power outages in their respective regions.
Cincinnati Bell granted pricing freedom despite lack of competitive options in Bethany, Harrison, Little Miami and WilliamsburgDec. 10, 2008
Over the opposition of the OCC, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio granted Cincinnati Bell's request to be able to annually raise basic rates through "alternative regulation" in the Bethany, Harrison, Little Miami and Williamsburg exchanges.
PUCO approves rate hikes to Columbia Gas ratepayersDec. 03, 2008
A higher flat-rate charge and a lower usage-based fee will greet customers of Columbia Gas of Ohio in the new year after a ruling today by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
Ohio Consumers' Counsel supports PUCO decision on FirstEnergy market rate offerNov. 25, 2008
The OCC supports the rejection of FirstEnergy's market rate offer by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
AT&T granted pricing freedom despite lack of competitive options in Bedford, Brecksville, Columbiana, Leroy, North Jackson and RosevilleNov. 12, 2008
A decision by state regulators means that basic local service rates could increase for AT&T Ohio customers in six areas.
Columbia Gas customers encouraged to attend public hearing and learn about proposed rate increaseNov. 07, 2008
The OCC is encouraging customers of Columbia Gas to attend a public hearing held by the PUCO in Columbus on Thursday, Nov. 6. Details of the proposed rate hike will be shared and residents will have an opportunity to present public testimony to the PUCO.
Electric rules need stronger consumer protectionsNov. 05, 2008
The OCC believes revised rules that govern electric service adopted by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) do not provide enough protections for residential consumers.
AEP rate increase includes over $1 billion in unneeded costsOct. 31, 2008
American Electric Power customers have been asked to pay for more than $1 billion in unnecessary costs in the company's three-year electric security plan. Experts at the Ohio Consumers' Counsel filed testimony today detailing its reasons for excluding increases from rates.
Agreement filed on Duke Energy Ohio's rate plan will benefit residential consumersOct. 27, 2008
An agreement by the Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates, staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Duke Energy Ohio and other parties will benefit residential consumers by limiting the rate increases over the first two years and eliminating the increase in the third year within Duke's proposed electric security plan.
Parties in Columbia Gas of Ohio distribution rate case agree to cut proposed increase by nearly halfOct. 24, 2008
The OCC, staff of the PUCO, Columbia Gas of Ohio and other parties involved in Columbia's request to increase rates to deliver natural gas today reached an agreement that will benefit residential consumers. It cuts the utility's proposed $87.2 million increase by nearly half to $47.1 million. The agreement must have final approval from PUCO Commissioners before going into effect.
Aqua Ohio violates agreement to improve customer service; will be fined $15,000Oct. 20, 2008
Aqua Ohio will be penalized $15,000 for its failure to fix several billing problems consumers experienced. Aqua Ohio had agreed to fix the billing issues by July 1 when it was granted a rate increase in May. The penalty will be divided equally among the company's three service territories.
OCC urges residents to speak out about proposed Columbia rate increaseOct. 17, 2008
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) is encouraging consumers of Columbia Gas of Ohio to attend and testify at local public hearings regarding the company's proposed $87.8 million distribution rate increase.
Columbus public hearings to be held on proposed AEP rate increaseOct. 17, 2008
The OCC encourages residential consumers in the Columbus area to attend the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's local public hearing on American Electric Power's electric security plan.
Lima public hearing to be held on proposed AEP rate increaseOct. 17, 2008
The OCC encourages residential consumers in the Lima area to attend the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's local public hearing on American Electric Power's electric security plan.
Consumers' Counsel says Embarq and Verizon should be denied the ability to raise basic residential telephone rates annuallyOct. 17, 2008
The OCC asks the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reject filings by Embarq and Verizon to place 68 different telephone exchanges under "alternative regulation". Alternative regulation allows the rates for basic local service and basic Caller ID to increase without the oversight and review from the PUCO.
Dominion East Ohio's flat-rate charge to increase 250 percentOct. 15, 2008
Customers of Dominion East Ohio Gas will see a higher flat-rate charge and increased rates after a the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio ruled on the company's rate increase request. The Ohio Consumers' Counsel was a part of an agreement that lowered Dominion's rate increase request but is opposed to increasing the flat-rate charge by 250 percent.
Middletown public hearing to be held on proposed Duke Energy Ohio rate increaseOct. 14, 2008
The OCC is encouraging customers of Duke Energy Ohio to voice their opinions about an electric security plan filed by the utility at a public hearing held by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in Middletown on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Canton public hearing to be held on proposed AEP rate increaseOct. 10, 2008
The OCC is encouraging customers of American Electric Power to voice their opinions about an electric security plan filed by the utility at a public hearing held by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in Canton on Thursday, Oct. 16.
Marietta public hearing to be held on proposed AEP rate increaseOct. 09, 2008
The OCC is encouraging customers of American Electric Power (AEP) to voice their opinions about an electric security plan filed by the utility at a public hearing held on Tuesday, Oct. 14 by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Geneva public hearing to be held on proposed FirstEnergy rate increaseOct. 09, 2008
The OCC is encouraging customers of FirstEnergy to voice their opinions about an electric security plan filed by the utility at a public hearing held on Wednesday, Oct. 15 by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Austintown public hearing to be held on proposed FirstEnergy rate increaseOct. 09, 2008
The OCC is encouraging customers of FirstEnergy to voice their opinions about an electric security plan filed by the utility at a public hearing held on Tuesday, Oct. 14 by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Cincinnati public forum to be held Tuesday on proposed Duke rate increaseOct. 08, 2008
The OCC, in collaboration with other groups in Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates (OCEA), will hold a free public forum in Cincinnati about the electric rate increases proposed by Duke Energy Ohio.
Athens public forum to be held Wednesday on proposed AEP rate increaseOct. 06, 2008
The OCC, in collaboration with other groups in Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates (OCEA), will hold a public forum in Athens to discuss American Electric Power's proposed rate increases.
Cincinnati area public hearings to be held on proposed Duke Energy Ohio rate increaseOct. 06, 2008
The OCC encourages residential consumers in the Cincinnati area to attend the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's local public hearing on Duke Energy Ohio's electric security plan.
Akron public hearings to be held on proposed FirstEnergy rate increaseOct. 06, 2008
The OCC encourages residential consumers in the Akron area to attend the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's local public hearing on FirstEnergy's electric security plan.
Columbus public forum to be held Monday on proposed AEP rate increaseOct. 03, 2008
The OCC, in collaboration with other groups in Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates (OCEA), will hold a free public forum in Columbus about the rate increases proposed by American Electric Power.
Additional public hearing scheduled in Duke Energy Ohio electric security planOct. 03, 2008
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) is encouraging residents of Middletown and surrounding areas to attend and testify at an additional local public hearing scheduled by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regarding an electric security plan (ESP) application submitted by Duke Energy Ohio.
Consumers' Counsel reacts to decision on potential AT&T basic rate increases in Mantua, Olmsted Falls, Philo, Pitchin, Tremont CityOct. 01, 2008
A decision by state regulators means that basic local service rates could increase for AT&T Ohio customers in five areas.
Customers could overpay by $4.3 billion if FirstEnergy plan is approvedSep. 29, 2008
Customers of FirstEnergy would overpay the company by $4.3 billion if its electric security plan were approved, OCC experts said in testimony filed today. FirstEnergy also should improve service quality and develop energy efficiency programs to reduce the need for electricity.
Consumer and environmental advocates call for stopping fast-paced negotiations in Duke Energy electric security plan caseSep. 29, 2008
The OCC and other consumer and environmental groups ask the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to stop negotiations between Duke Energy Ohio and other parties to quickly settle the utility's electric security plan.
Raising fixed customer charge will harm lower-income customers; Ohio Consumers' Counsel says in testimony filed in Columbia Gas rate caseSep. 26, 2008
A proposal by Columbia Gas of Ohio (COH) to reduce and eventually eliminate its monthly usage-based customer rate by raising the fixed customer rate will place an extra burden on low-income, low-usage customers and make it more difficult for them to maintain affordable natural gas service, according to testimony filed Sept. 25 by the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
Consumers' Counsel urges AEP customers to testify at PUCO local public hearingsSep. 25, 2008
The OCC encourages American Electric Power customers to attend upcoming Public Utilities Commission of Ohio local public hearings on the utility's electric security plan.
OCC urges Duke Energy customers to testify at PUCO local public hearingsSep. 17, 2008
The OCC strongly encourages Duke Energy customers to testify at local public hearings scheduled by the PUCO. The OCC in collaboration with the Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates also will hold an educational public forum to inform consumers about the details of Duke's electric security plan proposal.
Consumers still facing power outages reminded of Ohio Consumers' Counsel's servicesSep. 17, 2008
The OCC is the residential utility consumer advocate and can provide information and handle residential consumer complaints and inquiries relating to Ohio's investor-owned electric utilities, including American Electric Power, Dayton Power & Light, Duke Energy and FirstEnergy.
Programs available to help income-eligible consumers stay connected to their utility services this winterSep. 12, 2008
Ohio's residential utility consumers have several options available for assistance or to help stay connected to their utility services, according to the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate. In addition to the continuing Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) for those who are income-eligible, Ohio's special winter program is an option available regardless of a household's income.
Consumers' Counsel encourages FirstEnergy customers to testify at PUCO local public hearingsSep. 11, 2008
The OCC encourages FirstEnergy customers to attend upcoming Public Utilities Commission of Ohio local public hearings on the utility's Electric Security Plan.
Parties in Vectren natural gas distribution rate case agree to cut proposed increase by nearly halfSep. 10, 2008
An agreement has been reached in the Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio (VEDO) natural gas distribution rate case that would benefit residential consumers by cutting the utility's proposed $27 million increase by nearly half, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) said today. The OCC emphasizes that the important issue not yet resolved is the structure of Vectren's distribution rates.
OCEA: Energy efficiency, renewable energy rules need loopholes closed; annual resource plans must be mandatorySep. 10, 2008
The Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates jointly filed comments seeking to close loopholes in the energy efficiency and renewable energy standards. The OCEA also recommends that utilities' annual resource plans be a mandatory requirement.
Customers to receive customer service and water quality benefitsSep. 10, 2008
Customers of Ohio American water will receive benefits in customer service and water quality assurances as a result of an agreement the Ohio Consumers' Counsel reached with the company and others.
REMINDER: Consumers' Counsel to hold public forums to discuss proposed electric rate increasesSep. 09, 2008
The OCC, in collaboration with other groups in Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates (OCEA), will hold public forums to discuss proposed electric rate increases. The forums will take place in Warren, Sandusky, Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Athens and Cincinnati.
Embarq imposes price increases on telephone featuresSep. 08, 2008
The OCC alerts Embarq's local telephone customers of price increases for numerous commonly used services.
Consumers' Counsel advocates to keep telephone consumer protections in placeSep. 05, 2008
The OCC and other consumer groups oppose a move to eliminate part of an Ohio consumer protection rule would make it easier for telephone companies to disconnect some customers. The proposal by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's (PUCO) staff would eliminate a safety net for telephone customers with bundled services who are not able to pay their entire bill.
Consumer Alert: Review telephone bills for unfamiliar chargesAug. 28, 2008
The OCC alerts consumers to examine their local telephone bills to find out if they are paying for products or services they never intended to purchase.
Agreement on Dominion natural gas distribution rate case would cut proposed increase by nearly halfAug. 25, 2008
An agreement has been reached in the Dominion East Ohio's natural gas distribution rate case that would benefit residential consumers by cutting the utility's proposed $75 million increase by nearly half. A significant issue not resolved is a proposal to significantly increase the fixed customer charge while lowering the usage-based portion of the bill. That issue continues to be contested by the OCC, City of Cleveland and other consumer groups in the case.
Agreement cuts rate increase in half for Mohawk water customersAug. 14, 2008
The OCC and the Lake Mohawk Water committee, a consumer group, have reached an agreement with Mohawk Utilities that will cut its proposed rate increase in half.
Consumers' Counsel announces public forums to discuss proposed electric rate increasesAug. 14, 2008
The OCC, in collaboration with the other groups in Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates (OCEA), will hold a series of public forums throughout the state about the rate increases proposed by Ohio's largest three electric utilities - American Electric Power, Duke Energy and FirstEnergy. The proposed increases are part of each utility's Electric Security Plan, filed after the passage of Ohio's energy policy (Senate Bill 221).
Consumer advocates call for protections in latest draft of electric policy rulesAug. 13, 2008
The Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates has jointly filed comments at the PUCO recommending that the second set of draft electric policy rules be significantly changed to better protect consumers.
Consumers of Vectren encouraged to testify at public hearing about proposed $27 million rate hikeAug. 06, 2008
The OCC is encouraging customers of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio to testify about the utility's proposed natural gas delivery rate increase at local public hearings in Sidney, Dayton and Washington Court House.
Consumers receive additional local public hearings on Dominion East Ohio's proposed rate increaseAug. 01, 2008
Consumers will have three additional evening opportunities in to voice their opinions on Dominion East Ohio's proposed natural gas delivery rate increase to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The additional hearings will be held in Garfield Heights, Youngstown and Akron.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel reacts to potential rate increases in proposed Electric Security PlansJul. 31, 2008
The OCC will be carefully reviewing each utility's Electric Security Plan and is concerned about any rate increases for residential consumers.
Consumers alerted to misleading letter on the status of Dominion East Ohio natural gas choice programJul. 31, 2008
A customer letter sent to potentially thousands of Dominion East Ohio customers could mislead those residents into believing that the utility will stop supplying natural gas in the coming months, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel said today. Contrary to the claims of the marketer, Dominion East Ohio Energy, customers will not be automatically switched if they do not choose a supplier. Customers still have the choice of staying with Dominion East Ohio.
OCC files testimony in Vectren rate case; Higher fixed-rate costs will impact lower-income customers the mostJul. 24, 2008
A proposal by Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio to shift natural gas charges from a usage-based to a fixed customer rate will disproportionately increase bills to low-income, low usage customers, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, said in testimony filed on July 23 at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
OAW customers get chance to voice opinions on water increase requestJul. 24, 2008
Customers of Ohio American Water have the opportunity to give their opinions and concerns to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on proposed water and wastewater rate increases during four scheduled public hearings.
Columbia Gas customers to be offered new ways to reduce natural gas usageJul. 24, 2008
Columbia Gas will begin offering new energy efficiency programs for customers beginning January 2009 following approval granted by the PUCO. The programs were developed after Columbia Gas reached an agreement with the OCC and other parties.
Consumers' Counsel disappointed at PUCO's failure to reconsider harmful Duke Energy rate case decisionJul. 23, 2008
The OCC criticizes a decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to uphold a May 2008 order that will increase the flat-rate customer charge by more than 300 percent over the next year while lowering the portion of the delivery charge that varies according to how much gas a customer uses.
Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates Issue Comments on Proposed Electric RulesJul. 22, 2008
Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates recommends significant changes to electric pricing rules proposed by the staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
Additional public hearings requested by OCC and consumer advocacy groups in Dominion East Ohio rate caseJul. 10, 2008
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, and other consumer advocacy groups today are filing a request with the Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) asking for additional public hearings on the proposed $75 million Dominion East Ohio rate increase.
Utility Consumer Advocates Raise Initial Concerns about Electricity Prices and Rules for OhioansJul. 02, 2008
A coalition of Ohio's utility consumer advocates - including the OCC - will be carefully reviewing proposed rules issued today by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to implement Senate Bill 221, the bill recently signed into law designed to address electricity prices, energy efficiency, and alternative energy planning.
Energy efficiency programs offered to all residential Columbia Gas customersJul. 02, 2008
With the help of the OCC, Columbia Gas of Ohio will offer new energy efficiency programs that all residential consumers can utilize. Over the next three years, the programs could save consumers up to 815,000 Mcf of natural gas.
Ohio American Water customers facing another rate increaseJun. 27, 2008
The rate increase requested by Ohio American Water should be lowered by $2 million for residential customers. The OCC has several objections to expenses, revenues, profits, service quality and rate structure as proposed in the company's request.
Consumers' Counsel asks PUCO to reconsider restructured Duke Energy natural gas ratesJun. 27, 2008
The OCC asks the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reconsider its decision restructuring Duke Energy's natural gas delivery rates, which would result in its customers' flat-rate charge increasing by more than 300 percent over the next year while lowering the portion of the delivery charge that varies according to how much natural gas a customer uses.
Consumers' Counsel reacts to decision on potential AT&T basic rate increasesJun. 25, 2008
The OCC reacts to a decision by state regulators that could lead to basic local service rate increases for AT&T Ohio customers in seven areas, however one community was spared.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel presents evidence against Dominion East Ohio's proposed rate increaseJun. 23, 2008
A rate increase request by Dominion East Ohio should be rejected because the utility has failed to prove it needs additional money from its customers, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, will say today in testimony to be filed at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
Dominion East Ohio auctions may continue benefiting residential customersJun. 18, 2008
The OCC is pleased with the approval of a plan to hold additional natural gas auctions to help determine the price Dominion East Ohio customers pay.
CenturyTel imposes 10 percent price increase on many telephone featuresJun. 09, 2008
The OCC alerts CenturyTel's local telephone customers of price increases for numerous commonly-used services. The increases are permitted without review by state regulators since the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) allowed CenturyTel to operate under "elective alternative regulation" rules.
PUCO orders more than 300 percent increase to customer charge for Duke natural gas customersMay. 28, 2008
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio orders a record 300-plus percent increase over the next year to Duke Energy's natural gas flat-rate customer charge despite the objections of the OCC.
Consumers' Counsel weighs in on Duke Energy request to transfer power plantsMay. 20, 2008
The OCC requests that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recognize Ohio's right to determine whether a Duke Energy proposal to transfer its power plants away from its Ohio operating company should be authorized.
AT&T denied the ability to raise basic rates in seven Ohio communitiesMay. 14, 2008
State regulators have agreed with the OCC that AT&T Ohio be denied the ability to increase the rates it charges customers for basic local service in seven exchanges.
Consumers' electric rates in hands of PUCO after Governor Strickland signs energy policy legislationMay. 01, 2008
The signing of Senate Bill 221, Ohio's energy policy legislation, puts the future of residential customers' electric rates in the hands of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). As rules are proposed and rate plans are considered, the OCC will continue to advocate for and protect the interests of Ohio's residential ratepayers.
New pricing structure could save money for Ohio's Vectren natural gas customersApr. 30, 2008
Vectren customers in the Miami Valley will have the potential to save money through changes in the way their natural gas is priced.
Electric legislation passed today contains mixed results for residential consumersApr. 23, 2008
The OCC's initial review of the electric legislation passed today shows that some of the key safeguards the agency has advocated for on behalf of Ohio's 4.5 million households have been adopted while other important safeguards were not.
Customer service issues to be resolved by Aqua OhioApr. 18, 2008
The OCC came to an agreement with Aqua Ohio that is designed to improve customer service and other issues facing its water customers.
Consumers' Counsel supports advanced energy provisions but disappointed in versions of overall energy policy billApr. 15, 2008
Ohio and its residential consumers would benefit from the General Assembly passing the advanced energy portions of Senate Bill 221, Ohio's energy policy legislation. The OCC recommended that the remainder of Senate Bill 221 be significantly changed if it is passed by the House and sent to a legislative conference committee in its current form.
Ohio House version of energy bill adds OCC recommendations to protect consumersApr. 10, 2008
The OCC is optimistic about a new version of Senate Bill 221, Ohio's energy policy legislation. The OCC had recommended changes to the original legislation that would ensure residents would be provided the lowest cost energy option and adopt renewable and energy efficiency standards to provide Ohioans with a diverse portfolio of energy resources.
Safety issues with natural gas risers to be resolved at reduced costsApr. 09, 2008
The approval of an agreement among Columbia Gas of Ohio, the OCC and other stakeholders will result in natural gas riser safety issues being resolved at a reduced cost to residential consumers.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel says FirstEnergy's rate increase request should be reduced by more than $300 millionMar. 28, 2008
The OCC requests that a proposed distribution rate increase by FirstEnergy be cut by more than $300 million and a new investigation be opened to address the utility's service reliability.
Dominion East Ohio natural gas changes subject of three local public hearingsMar. 27, 2008
Public hearings will be held by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to give residential consumers the opportunity to voice their opinions on changes to the method Dominion East Ohio uses to purchase natural gas. The changes would result in a competitive auction process to obtain natural gas supply for customers.
Energy shutoff moratorium ending, but heating help is still availableMar. 14, 2008
With a special 90-day moratorium on shutoffs ending on March 18, the OCC wants as many residents as possible to avoid disconnection and alerts them that assistance programs are available.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel reacts to Supreme Court decision on AEP's proposed IGCC plantMar. 14, 2008
The OCC is pleased with the decision handed down by the Ohio Supreme Court concerning the collection of costs for American Electric Power's proposed integrated gas combined cycle power plant.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel's statement on selection of Cheryl Roberto as PUCO CommissionerMar. 07, 2008
The OCC reacts to the appointment of Cheryl Roberto to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel reacts to Supreme Court of Ohio decisions on AT&T, Cincinnati Bell basic rate flexibilityMar. 06, 2008
The OCC reacts to the Supreme Court of Ohio's decisions on AT&T and Cincinnati Bell basic local service "alternative regulation."
Consumers' Counsel pleased with $250,000 penalty against Verizon for missing service benchmarksMar. 05, 2008
The OCC reacts to Verizon being held accountable for missing service quality benchmarks.
Agreement on Duke Energy natural gas rate case would cut base rate increase by nearly halfFeb. 29, 2008
An agreement reached involving some of the major issues within Duke Energy's natural gas rate case would benefit residential consumers by trimming the increase proposed by the utility. The OCC and all other parties involved in the case signed the agreement, which must receive the approval of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Commissioners before going into effect.
Vectren natural gas changes subject of two local public hearingsFeb. 27, 2008
Public hearings will be held by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to give residential consumers the opportunity to voice their opinions on changes to the method Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio uses to purchase natural gas.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel supports House Speaker Husted's renewable energy and energy efficiency measuresFeb. 21, 2008
The OCC supports measures introduced to improve Ohio's use of renewable energy and help lower consumers' demand for electricity
Consumers receive local public hearings on proposed FirstEnergy rate increaseFeb. 13, 2008
The OCC encourages residential consumers of FirstEnergy to participate in upcoming local public hearings by testifying on the electric utility's proposed rate increase. A total of 12 hearings have been scheduled from March 5 through March 24.
Aqua Ohio consumers receive public hearings on proposed rate increaseFeb. 05, 2008
The OCC encourages residential consumers of Aqua Ohio to participate in local public hearings Feb. 25 and 27 by testifying on the water utility's proposed rate increase.
Consumers receive local public hearings on proposed Duke Energy rate increaseFeb. 04, 2008
The OCC encourages residential customers of Duke Energy-Ohio to participate in local public hearings scheduled for February 21 and 25 on the utility's natural gas rate increase request.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel opposes Duke Energy natural gas base rate increaseJan. 29, 2008
The OCC believes a proposed rate increase for Duke Energy Ohio's natural gas customers is unreasonable and should be rejected. When all components of Duke's plan are considered, the case could cost all customers (residential, commercial and industrial) $500 million over the next several years.
Rate increase request should be dismissed for Ohio American Water's customers in Franklin and Portage countiesJan. 24, 2008
The OCC has asked the PUCO to reconsider its decision which approved a more complicated and lengthy public notice by Ohio American Water. The approval also allowed the application to increase rates to be considered for Franklin and Portage counties even though OAW has failed to fulfill its commitments to resolve the poor quality of water.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel opposes FirstEnergy distribution rate increases; many customers' rates should go downJan. 10, 2008
The OCC believes a proposed distribution rate increase for FirstEnergy's residential customers is unreasonable. According to the OCC's experts, distribution rates should go down - not up - in two of FirstEnergy's Ohio operating companies (Cleveland Electric Illuminating and Ohio Edison). The increases should be reduced from those filed by the third company (Toledo Edison).
Cincinnati Bell customers' rates increase for second consecutive yearJan. 08, 2008
The OCC alerts customers that Cincinnati Bell Telephone has increased monthly rates for basic local telephone service in the Cincinnati and Hamilton exchanges for the second year in a row.

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