http://www.pickocc.org/news/ Ohio Consumers' Counsel News en 60 http://www.pickocc.org/rss/images/occ-rss.gif http://www.pickocc.org/news/ http://www.pickocc.org/rss/pressrelease.xml We have changed the address and coding of our RSS feed to be accessible to a wider variety of RSS readers. Continue to receive the Ohio Consumer' Counsel's press releases and newsletter feed at http://www.pickocc.org/rss/pressrelease.xml or http://feeds.feedburner.com/ohioconsumerscounsel. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:45:00 -0400 Announcement http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressreleases/OCCexpressesConcernAboutColumbiaTransition.pdf Restructuring the wholesale natural gas auction, as approved yesterday by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), will increase the cost of natural gas for customers who take default service from Columbia Gas of Ohio, according to the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC). Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:30:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressreleases/PR_AEP_ESP-2_settlement.pdf The OCC remains concerned about the impact on residential customers bills after American Electric Power files a settlement agreement on its proposed rate increase with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:30:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=08262011 Duke Energy Ohio customers will be able to voice their opinions on the utility's proposed rate plan during public hearings that begin Aug. 30. Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:55:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=08232011 A special meeting of the Governing Board will take place at the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, 10 W. Broad St., 18th floor, Columbus, OH. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:55:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/newsletters/august.shtml Features: Budget cuts force OCC to close call center, reduce services; Yearlong utility problem fixed after one call to OCC; Two OCC publications earn recognition of excellence; Summer Assistance Programs; Refunds, rate reductions due to AEP customers; OAW proposes 19% - 26% increase in water rates for residential customers; Duke proposes 10-year rate plan; Renewable energy incentive programs now available for AEP customers; and New and updated information available on OCC website Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:00:00 -0400 Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=07262011 The OCC has filed testimony recommending several changes to avoid significant rate increase for American Electric Power's residential customers. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=07122011 The enactment of the State of Ohio's two-year budget legislation will significantly reduce the level of advocacy and customer services the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) provides to Ohio's 4.5 million residential utility households. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=06302011 The OCC today filed testimony recommending rate adjustments that conform with an earlier Supreme Court ruling after AEP could not prove it has incurred any actual costs to provide back up power for shopping customers or that carrying charges for environmental investments prior to 2009 should be allowed. Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=06282011 The Ohio Consumers' Counsel and other consumer groups have asked the PUCO to refund nearly $24 million, plus interest, to American Electric Power customers after the utility collected costs from them to construct a power plant but never built it. Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=06072011 The OCC has protected all FirstEnergy customers from paying more than $135 million in unjustified costs for the utility's business decision to switch regional transmission organizations. Customers would have paid as much as $614 million over 30 years had FirstEnergy's proposal been allowed. Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:30:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=05252011 The General Assembly today passed Amended Substitute House Bill 95, a measure that will enable natural gas companies to raise customers' distribution rates without a mandatory review by all concerned stakeholders of their costs. However, prior to passage, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) achieved a victory for residential customers when the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee unanimously accepted its proposal to limit the number of capital expense riders (additions) utilities could request to one per year. Wed, 25 May 2011 17:15:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=05192011 The OCC today asked the PUCO to reject revised rates that do not completely remove charges the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled unjustified. The OCC also asked that AEP be directed to file new rates that conform with the PUCO's directive, and consider assessing a financial penalty against the utility. Thu, 19 May 2011 14:45:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=05172011 The OCC encourages AEP customers to testify on the company's proposed rate plan at five local public hearings scheduled for June. Tue, 17 May 2011 15:45:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=05122011 The OCC has developed a new resource so residential customers have the necessary information available to them if they decide to shop for electricity. Thu, 12 May 2011 15:45:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/newsletters/may.shtml Features: Proposed budget cut would severely impact OCC's ability to represent utility customers; OCC wins at Supreme Court of Ohio, protects AEP customers from unlawful rates approved by PUCO; OCC's advocacy works for businesses as well as residential customers; Customers faced with two increases from AEP; Concerns linger with revised natural gas legislation - OCC seeks improvements to protect customers; Consumers' Corner Editor's note Fri, 06 May 2011 15:00:00 -0400 Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=05062011 Ohio Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander today issued a statement in response to the Ohio House of Representatives' vote Thursday in favor of a more than 51 percent cut to the budget of the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the state advocate for more than 4.5 million residential utility customer households. Fri, 06 May 2011 11:45:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=05052011 American Electric Power customers' will see lower bills after certain utility rates were ordered to be suspended because of a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court of Ohio that ruled they were unlawful. The PUCO order came after the OCC and other customer groups requested the changes. Thu, 05 May 2011 09:30:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=04272011 The OCC and other customer groups have asked the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to protect American Electric Power customers from charges the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled were unlawful April 19. Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=04192011 In an unanimous decision, residential utility customers received a major victory after the Supreme Court of Ohio agreed with the Ohio Consumers' Counsel that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio improperly allowed American Electric Power to collect unlawful rates. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=04132011 Dominion East Ohio customers will now be able to get a home energy audit performed for $50. The audit offered by Dominion has a $500 value. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:35:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=03242011 Advocacy by the Ohio Consumers' Counsel resulted in the removal of costly storage fees associated with FirstEnergy's failed compact fluorescent light bulb program but excluded several OCC recommendations that would have eliminated about $1 million in costs that were unreasonable or provided no benefits to customers. Thu, 23 Mar 2011 08:35:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=03152011 On March 15, 2011, Gov. Kasich released his budget for the next biennium, which included a 50 percent cut to the OCC. A statement has been issued by Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander in response. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:15:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=03082011 The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) advises customers of Cincinnati Bell that rates for basic local exchange service primary and additional lines will increase effective March 17. Directory assistance (DA) services will also increase March 17. Additional services for customers in suburban Cincinnati will increase April 1. Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=03022011 Beginning April 1, Dominion East Ohio Gas residential customers will pay nearly $20 less per year for their natural gas supply. The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) attended two auctions yesterday where the lower Standard Choice Offer (SCO) and Standard Service Offer (SSO) amounts were determined. Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/newsletters/march.shtml Features: The OCC: Saving Ohio's utility customers $10 billion in 35 years; OCC advocacy leads to $92 million in residential customer savings; AEP offers home energy audits to customers; Efficiency puts cheaper energy at customers' fingertips; Proposed legislation will lead to rate increases for natural gas customers; Auction results in lower rates for Vectren natural gas customers Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 -0500 Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=02282011 Federal budget negotiations underway in Washington, D.C. may result in substantial cuts to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which helps low-income residential customers pay their utility bills. Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:50:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=02232011b The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) is joining other state and federal agencies to discuss utility issues and educate residential customers about consumer protections during National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:35:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=02232011a FirstEnergy customers should not pay for costs linked to regional transmission organization switch Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:25:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=02232011 The OCC recommend Duke Energy Ohio re-file its market rate option after the PUCO ruled it was not compliant with Ohio law. Re-filing the plan with modifications could result in savings for Duke's customers. Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:05:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=02182011 A recent increase in complaints about aggressive activities by door-to-door marketers has caused concerns relating to residential customers, particularly seniors, being targeted for a quick profit. The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) has actively worked to curtail unfair and deceptive marketing practices. Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:55:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=02152011 As tax preparation season approaches, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) reminds customers who made energy-efficiency improvements to their homes during 2010 that they may be eligible to receive credits on their federal income tax returns. Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:30:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=02102011 The OCC today issued comments congratulating Rep. Todd A. Snitchler on his appointment as chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=02092011 Columbia Gas of Ohio customers will see lower bills beginning in April, according to the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC). The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today approved the results of a wholesale auction that resulted in seven winning bidders sharing portions of Columbia's natural gas supply. Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=02042011 Duke Energy Ohio customers could save on their generation costs if suggested modifications by the OCC are accepted by the PUCO. Fri, 04 Feb 2011 10:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=02022011 The OCC is offering suggestions and tips for the estimated 200,000 residential customers in Ohio who have experienced power outages as a result of a winter storm that has affected millions of Americans. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:05:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=01282011 We send our thoughts and prayers to Jerry and his family at this difficult time. Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:05:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=01262011 The OCC is set to argue for a refund of $63 million in charges billed to AEP customers retroactively in 2009. Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:45:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=01202011 The latest auction to determine new natural gas rates for Vectren Delivery of Ohio will result in a rate decrease for residential customers on the standard choice offer. The new rate goes into effect April 1. Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:45:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=01122011a AEP's Columbus Southern Power customers are due a $43 million refund after the PUCO ruled there were significantly excessive earnings. The OCC recommended excessive earnings of up to $156 million be returned to customers. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:45:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=01122011 Recommendations from the Ohio Consumers' Counsel were adopted and will save Duke Energy Ohio customers from paying $14.4 million related to the 2008 Hurricane Ike windstorm. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:45:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=01062011 AT&T Ohio residential customers who receive only basic telephone service will see their monthly rates increase by $1.25, effective Jan. 7, 2011, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) has learned. Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:45:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/newsletters/january.shtml Features: Just Energy penalized $111,000, agrees to change sales practices after numerous complaints received; Additional payment assistance available for Columbia customers; Holiday cooking tips could save energy; Air leaks, duct work often major energy loss in mobile homes; OCC asks Supreme Court of Ohio to lower Vectren's fixed distribution charge; FirstEnergy biomass conversion cancelled Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:00:00 -0500 Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=12232010 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. Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:05:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=12172010 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. Fri, 17 Dec 2010 16:05:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=12162010 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. Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:35:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=12022010 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. Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:25:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=11302010 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. Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:25:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=11162010 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. Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/newsletters/november.shtml AEP utility has "significantly excessive" profits; OCC calls for $156 million refund; OCC challenges marketer's name change proposal; Gift cards and other programs help with holiday utility bills; Natural gas prices not expected to soar as winter heating season approaches; and Rejoice this holiday season by using some of these energy-saving tips, tricks and ideas Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:00:00 -0500 Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=11122010 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. Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:30:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=11102010 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. Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:10:00 -0500 Press Releases