http://www.pickocc.org/news/ Ohio Consumers' Counsel News en 60 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:50:00 AM EDT http://www.pickocc.org/rss/images/occ-rss.gif http://www.pickocc.org/news/ http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=08282008 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. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:50:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=08252008 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. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:25:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=08142008a 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. Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:20:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=08142008 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). Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=08132008 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. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:25:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=08062008 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. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:05:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=08012008 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. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:30:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=07312008a The OCC will be carefully reviewing each utility's Electric Security Plan and is concerned about any rate increases for residential consumers. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:50:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=07312008 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. Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:10:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/newsletters/july.shtml Features: Energy law will shape the future of electricity in Ohio; 10 ways to save money on your summer cooling bills; OCC in your corner; Ohioans find help with Community Voice Mail; Cost, quality issues concern water consumers; Going "green" when remodeling your home saves money Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:45:00 AM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=07242008b 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). Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:40:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=07242008a 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. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:45:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=07242008 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. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=07232008 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. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=07222008 Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates recommends significant changes to electric pricing rules proposed by the staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:40:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=07102008 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. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:25:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=07022008a 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. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 04:10:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=07022008 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. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:55:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=06272008a 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. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:15:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=06272008 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. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:35:00 AM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=06252008 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. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:20:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=06232008 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). Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:05:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=06182008 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. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=06092008 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. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:00:00 PM EDT Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=05282008 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. Wed, 28 May 2008 03:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=05202008 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. Tue, 20 May 2008 03:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=05142008 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. Wed, 14 May 2008 12:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/newsletters/may.shtml Features: Consumers can speak out against higher FirstEnergy rates; OCC in your corner; Learn about the availability of enhanced 911; Utility bills can be a valuable tool to reduce energy usage; Need to Know: Remember to call first before you dig; Program your way to energy savings Wed, 07 May 2008 12:30:00 PM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=05012008 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. Thu, 01 May 2008 03:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04302008 Vectren customers in the Miami Valley will have the potential to save money through changes in the way their natural gas is priced. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04232008 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. Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:30:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04182008 The OCC came to an agreement with Aqua Ohio that is designed to improve customer service and other issues facing its water customers. Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:10:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04152008 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. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2008-04-14.pdf Testimony on State Energy Policy by Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:00:00 PM EST Testimony http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04102008 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. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04092008a 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. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04092008 On April 22, residential consumers can use this year's Earth Day to begin applying energy efficiency tips and supporting renewable energy. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:00:00 AM EST Guest Column http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03282008 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. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:10:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03272008 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. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03142008a 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. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:15:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03142008 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. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:10:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/newsletters/march.shtml Features: Energy alternatives, transparency crucial to energy future; March brings FirstEnergy customers the chance to speak up; OCC in your corner; Utility rate cases begin heating up; Natural gas agreements to benefit Columbia Gas customers; Q&A: My utility wants to raise my rates. What can I do? Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:45:00 AM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03072008 The OCC reacts to the appointment of Cheryl Roberto to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03062008 The OCC reacts to the Supreme Court of Ohio's decisions on AT&T and Cincinnati Bell basic local service "alternative regulation." Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03052008 The OCC reacts to Verizon being held accountable for missing service quality benchmarks. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:35:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02292008 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. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 04:50:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2008-02-28.pdf Testimony by Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:45:00 PM EST Testimony http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02272008 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. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02212008 The OCC supports measures introduced to improve Ohio's use of renewable energy and help lower consumers' demand for electricity Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:45:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02142008 The OCC provides consumers daily tips during National Consumer Protection Week, March 3 through 7, 2008. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:45:00 AM EST Guest Column http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02132008 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. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:55:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02052008 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. Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:20:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02042008 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. Mon, 04 Feb 2008 03:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/newsletters/january.shtml Features: Advocacy for consumer protections continues as energy policy legislation reaches Ohio House; Managing winter heating bills through efficiency and assistance; OCC in your corner; Clear access helps to get meter read; Revised telephone rules go into effect; Rumors about national Do-Not-Call list can confuse consumers; Q&A: Telephone Lifeline programs help start and maintain service; Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:40:00 PM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=01292008 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. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=01242008 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. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 8:30:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2008-01-16.pdf Testimony on transparency by Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:45:00 PM EST Testimony http://www.pickocc.org/news/2007/newsletters/december.shtml Features: Your voice is needed on state energy legislation; OCC in your corner; Facts to consider about utility line warranty programs; Assistance available for winter; Need to know: 'Green' energy terms Tue, 15 Jan 2008 05:00:00 PM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=01102008 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). Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2008-01-09.pdf Testimony on State Energy Policy by Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:45:00 PM EST Testimony http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=01082008 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. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:30:00 PM EST Press Releases