http://www.pickocc.org/news/ Ohio Consumers' Counsel News en 60 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:00:00 PM EDT http://www.pickocc.org/rss/images/occ-rss.gif http://www.pickocc.org/news/ http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=09032010 The OCC encourages customers of Duke Energy to voice their opinions about the potential construction of a multi-billion dollar nuclear power plant. Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=08252010 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. Wed, 25 Aug 2010 04:15:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=08162010 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. Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:10:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=08122010 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. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:50:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=08092010 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. Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:50:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/newsletters/august.shtml Features: OCC's advocacy limits rate increase for Ohio American Water customers; Summer Crisis Program provides assistance to customers in need; Smart grid to change way consumers use electricity; Technology makes paying utility bills easier and convenient, but for a price; Rain barrels provide old-fashioned savings Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:10:00 PM EDT Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=08042010a 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. Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:50:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=08042010 A partnership involving the OCC continues to help bring free Leader Voice Mail service to northwest and north central Ohio residents in crisis. Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:10:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=08022010 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. Tue, 02 Aug 2010 10:50:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=07302010 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. Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=07232010 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. Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=07212010 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. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:50:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=07162010 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. Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:30:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/publications/water/Aqua_Ohio_Water_Proposed_Rate_Increase.pdf New Fact Sheet - Aqua Ohio Proposed Rate Increase Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:10:00 PM EST Fact Sheets http://www.pickocc.org/publications/general_occ_information/How_to_Testify.pdf Updated Fact Sheet - How to Testify Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:10:00 PM EST Fact Sheets http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=06302010 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. Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:45:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=06252010 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. Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:45:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=06232010 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. Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:45:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=06222010 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. Tue, 22 Jun 2010 03:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=06042010 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." Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:30:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=06032010 Nine student winners have been chosen for the Ohio Energy Project's bookmark contest sponsored by the OCC. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:30:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=06012010 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. Tue, 01 Jun 2010 01:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=05192010 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. Wed, 19 May 2010 04:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=05182010 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. Tue, 18 May 2010 03:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/newsletters/june.shtml Features: OCC to PUCO: All-electric discounts for FirstEnergy customers should be restored; Telephone deregulation bills strip most consumer protections, particularly for those with bundled services; Good news: Columbia wholesale auction results in lower prices for consumers; Stimulus funds available to help trim energy bills; OCC disagrees with FirstEnergy proposal for new rates Wed, 12 May 2010 02:00:00 PM EDT Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2010-05-11.pdf Testimony on HB 344 by Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander Tue, 11 May 2010 04:30:00 PM EDT Testimony http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=05062010a 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. Thu, 06 May 2010 04:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=05062010 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. Thu, 06 May 2010 10:30:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=04292010a Statement from Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander concerning additional time taken to review FirstEnergy electric security plan Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:30:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=04292010 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. Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:30:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=04162010 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. Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:50:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=04142010 A rate increase sought by Aqua Ohio will be phased in under an agreement reached by the utility, the OCC and the PUCO staff. Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:35:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=04132010 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. Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:20:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03242010 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. Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:45:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03232010a 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. Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:15:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03232010 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). Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:15:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03222010 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. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:15:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03192010 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. Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:45:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03172010a 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. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:15:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03172010 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. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:15:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/newsletters/april.shtml Features: OCC advocates for water rate decrease in Ohio American Water case; Lighting label proposal focuses on brightness rather than watts; Easy upgrade saves water and energy; AT&T rates increased in January, February; and Vectren customers will see lower gas bills Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:45:00 PM EDT Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03112010 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. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03082010 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. Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03042010a 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. Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03042010 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." Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:15:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=03032010 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. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 05:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=02252010 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. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=02242010a 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). Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=02242010 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. Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=02182010a 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. Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=02182010 Ashtabula and Tiffin: Consumers to voice opinions, concerns at Ohio American Water public hearings Thu, 18 Feb 2010 02:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=02112010 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. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=02092010 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. Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:50:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/newsletters/february.shtml Features: Auctions scheduled for natural gas customers; Some water rate expenses would be limited under new bill proposal; Grants for solar water heating available; Additional funds available to assist eligible Columbia Gas customers; Some health issues can prevent utility disconnections Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:50:00 AM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=01292010 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. Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=01202010 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. Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=01192010a Franklin County: Consumers to voice opinions, concerns at Ohio American Water public hearings Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:30:00 PM EST Media Advisories http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=01192010 Mansfield-Marion: Consumers to voice opinions, concerns at Ohio American Water public hearings Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:30:00 AM EST Media Advisories http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=01142010 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. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:10:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/publications/water/Ohio_American_Water_Proposed_Rate_Increase.pdf New Fact Sheet - Ohio American Water Proposed Rate Increase Mon, 11 Jan 2010 02:00:00 PM EST Fact Sheets http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=01082010 FirstEnergy's proposed bidding process to arrive at the generation rates customers will pay should be permitted but greatly modified. Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:10:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2010/pressrelease.php?date=01052010 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. Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:50:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/publications/electric/Smart_Grid_An_Introduction.pdf New Fact Sheet - Smart Grid: An Introduction Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:30:00 AM EST Fact Sheets http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=12152009 Improvements were made to legislation passed by the Ohio Senate that deregulates local telephone service, but consumers need more protections. Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:50:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=12092009a More than 45 consumer, senior and low-income groups from across Ohio are sending a letter to lawmakers urging them to strengthen two bills on behalf of the state's residential telephone consumers. The action underscores growing concern from consumers that the proposed bills, Substitute Senate Bill 162 and House Bill 276, are harmful to customers of basic and bundled phone services. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=12092009 Improving residential customers' access to broadband and service quality are benefits contained in an agreement allowing the merger of Frontier Communications Corp. and Verizon Communications, Inc. Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:00:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=12072009 More than 40 consumer, senior and low-income groups will urge lawmakers to oppose Senate Bill 162 and House Bill 276, which allows rate increases for basic telephone services, weakens consumer protections, lowers telephone service quality standards, reduces low-income Lifeline benefits and fails to expand broadband access. Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=12022009 Columbia Gas of Ohio customers may see differences on their bills beginning in April because of an agreement among the utility, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) and other parties. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved the agreement. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2009/pressrelease.php?date=12012009 Telephone companies do not need less regulation, a consumer advocate will tell an Ohio House committee. Hearings on House Bill 276, legislation that would allow annual local telephone rate increases and weaken consumer protections, continues as widespread opposition mounts from consumer, low-income and senior groups across the state. Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:30:00 PM EST Press Releases