Historical Journal

Bill of rights shapes commitment to residents

One of the first items accomplished during the first full year at the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel was the adoption of the "Residential Utility Consumers' Bill of Rights."

The OCC Governing Board in March 1978 approved 10 basic rights that each residential utility consumer is entitled to because their work, health and life depend on the services supplied by utilities.

They are:

1. I have the right to receive adequate utility services.
2. I have the right to pay no more than a reasonable price for the utility services I use.
3. I have the right to not have my utility services arbitrarily terminated.
4. I have the right to have qualified representation in all proceedings affecting my supply and cost of utility services.
5. I have the right to receive all existing information concerning the supply and cost of utility services.
6. I have the right to question improper management of public utilities.
7. I have the right to demand conservation of utility resources.
8. I have the right to participate in making decisions affecting future utility resources for myself and my children.
9. I have the right to have my wishes and needs concerning my utility services considered by those elected or appointed to represent me.
10. I have the right to have this bill of rights enforced by binding laws enacted by my elected representatives and by binding rules and regulations promulgated by those appointed by my government.

This basic bill of rights has been the foundation of the OCC's commitment to represent residential utility customers. It has resulted in many consumer protections and savings of billions of dollars since the OCC's inception.

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