Historical Journal

Disconnection rules designed with insight of OCC

In one of its first major victories in rulemaking proceedings, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel was instrumental in the establishment of statewide utility disconnection standards that have protected residential utility customers for more than 25 years.

Before these landmark rules were put in place, consumers had little protections from having their service disconnected. Disconnection practices also varied from company to company. With the help of the OCC, legislation was passed that required statewide uniform rules which were developed by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that give utility customers the ability to maintain service.

The rules, which were enacted in 1980, give customers the choice between two options to pay their bills and stay connected to their natural gas or electric service. The extended payment plans allow customers to make six equal monthly payments of the past due amount while paying the current bill or to pay one-third of the total balance owed each month.

The OCC also had a hand in the termination process a company must follow before it can disconnect service as well as the creation of provisions that instruct utility companies when they cannot terminate service. These provisions set the parameters that protect customers during the winter. The rules also established a medical certification for customers that have medical conditions who could be hindered by a disconnection.

Next: OCC work paramount in disconnection relief