2006 Press Releases

Consumers’ Counsel reacts to PUCO decision on rates for Duke Energy Customers
December 20, 2006
Consumers' Counsel reacts to a PUCO decision that granted in part requests by the OCC to freeze generation rate increases for Duke Energy customers.
AT&T’s basic local service rates could increase due to today’s PUCO decision
December 20, 2006
The OCC reacts to a decision by state regulators that could mean annual rate increases for many AT&T customers with basic local service and basic Caller ID.
Consumers' Counsel reacts to PUCO action against Buzz Telecom
December 13, 2006
Some OCC recommendations were adopted by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) when it ordered Buzz Telecom to stop marketing to consumers and told the company to "show cause" as to why its operations should not be permanently revoked.
Consumers' Counsel requests natural gas auction to provide lower rates for Columbia Gas customers
December 13, 2006
At a hearing on Friday, the OCC will advocate for an auction to be implemented for Columbia Gas of Ohio that could result in lower rates for customers. The auction would be patterned after a previous auction in August that resulted in lower rates for Dominion East Ohio customers.
Consumers' Counsel calls for temporary Duke Energy rate freeze in Ohio
December 12, 2006
The OCC advocates for a freeze on rate increases for electric generation service on behalf of Duke Energy Ohio's residential customers.
Consumers' Counsel calls for Buzz Telecom to be ordered to stop serving Ohioans, requests investigation of potentially unlawful consumer practices
December 11, 2006
The OCC calls for a telephone company known for preying on senior citizens to be ordered to permanently stop serving customers throughout Ohio and be held accountable for any unlawful activities.
Consumers’ Counsel requests process to bring enhanced energy efficiency programs to Vectren customers
December 8, 2006
The OCC is withdrawing from the agreement with Vectren and Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy related to energy efficiency programs. It requested a process in which it could present information to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in support of the benefits of comprehensive energy efficiency programs.
Consumers' Counsel reacts to Supreme Court decision on FirstEnergy and DP&L collection of transmission charges
November 29, 2006
OCC reacts to Supreme Court decision that supports the agency's ability to intervene in PUCO cases that affect residential utility customers.
New electric option would provide green power to Duke Energy's Ohio customers
November 29, 2006
The OCC and Duke Energy have worked cooperatively toward a new electric option that will, if approved by state regulators, provide consumers with the ability to purchase green power.
Basic telephone services could be on the rise with new pricing freedoms
November 29, 2006
The OCC reacts to a decision by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that gives Cincinnati Bell Telephone pricing freedoms for basic local telephone service and basic Caller ID.
Ohio students have opportunity to design bookmarks and learn about renewable energy resources
November 27, 2006
The OCC's theme of "Renewables: The New Energy Generation" will help guide students as the research the benefits of renewable energy sources as part of the Ohio Energy Project's bookmark contest.
Consumer' Counsel reacts to Supreme Court partial reversal of CG&E decision
November 22, 2006
The OCC reacts to an Ohio Supreme Court decision that determined state regulators' approval of CG&E's rate plan was partially unlawful. The decision was based on a challenge by the OCC that the rate plan violated Ohio's electric choice law.
Public has chance to express views on proposed water rate increase
November 16, 2006
Consumers 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 five scheduled public hearings. The OCC opposes these increases because it will cause an undue hardship on customers.
OCC opposes Ohio American Water on proposed rate increase
October 25, 2006
The OCC opposes a plan that Ohio American Water has proposed to raise its rates for the second time in less than two years when little has been done to improve water quality and service.
Consumers' Counsel opposes plan that would allow AT&T Ohio to increase basic rates
October 16, 2006
The OCC opposes a plan that would allow AT&T Ohio to raise its basic telephone rates each year in 145 of its 192 exchanges.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel calls for suspension of Buzz Telecom’s operations
October 11, 2006
An investigation indicates that Buzz Telecom appears to have misled consumers when signing them up for long-distance telephone service. The OCC requests the PUCO suspend the company from soliciting new customers in Ohio.
Statewide roundtable sparks ideas for sound energy future
October 10, 2006
Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander used a statewide roundtable discussion to share her ideas about the future of energy in Ohio that could lead to an affordable, reliable and sustainable long-term plan.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel alerts some Dominion East Ohio customers to rate change on their bills
October 6, 2006
Some Dominion East Ohio customers soon will see a change in the rate they pay for natural gas. Beginning October 12, customers will be paying a Standard Service Offer instead of the Gas Cost Recovery rate.
Consumers’ Counsel opposes ability for Cincinnati Bell to increase basic telephone rates
September 21, 2006
The OCC believes that state regulators should reject a plan that would allow Cincinnati Bell to increase the prices of basic local telephone service and basic Caller ID.
Consumers’ Counsel proposes statewide energy plan to meet long-term need for affordable and reliable electricity
September 19, 2006
The OCC announces its statewide energy plan that, if enacted, would ensure that sufficient, affordable and more diverse electricity supplies are available over the long-term.
Consumers’ Counsel reacts to state decision on energy efficiency programs for Vectren customers
September 13, 2006
The Consumers' Counsel believes that a decision made by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio takes away an opportunity for many Vectren customers to save money on their bills through energy efficiency.
Consumers’ Counsel advocates more consumer protections needed in rewrite of state’s Minimum Telephone Service Standards
September 8, 2006
Today the OCC and other stakeholders are recommending changes and additions to a proposal submitted by the staff of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on the state's Minimum Telephone Service Standards.
Programs available to help consumers stay connected
September 6, 2006
Ohioans have several options available to help them stay connected to their electric, natural gas and telephone services including the Winter Reconnect Program and Telephone Lifeline.
Consumers’ Counsel: Winning Dominion bid may benefit consumers
August 29, 2006
The OCC is pleased that the auction produced a rate for the next 23 months that most likely will produce savings for Dominion East Ohio customers who have not chosen an alternative natural gas supplier.
Consumers’ Counsel will monitor Dominion auction process closely
August 28, 2006
The OCC will be closely monitoring the auction that will help to determine the new rate some Dominion East Ohio customers will be paying.
Verizon customers paying more for local telephone packages, features
August 10, 2006
The OCC alerts Verizon consumers to recent rate increases to their local telephone services as a result of its approval by the PUCO to institute an elective alternative regulation plan.
National endorsements of plan reaffirms OCC commitment to energy efficiency
July 31, 2006
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel gave its endorsement of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency today. The plan calls for a wider use of energy efficiency that could save consumers in the United States billions of dollars over the next 10-15 years.
Consumers' Counsel receives victory at Supreme Court in effort to protect American Electric Power customers
July 5, 2006
The OCC received a victory from the Ohio Supreme Court in a case involving the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's approval of the American Electric Power rate plan.
Consumer Alert: Internet can lead to unintended telephone charges
June 28, 2006
The OCC alerts consumers that Internet activities as innocent as downloading recipes or taking surveys could lead to unintended charges on their monthly telephone bills.
Verizon given OK to raise rates on local telephone services
June 22, 2006
The OCC reacts to a decision by the PUCO that gives Verizon the ability to raise rates for commonly used telephone services like Call Waiting and Call Forwarding without regulatory approval.
Consumers' Counsel opposes AT&T Ohio's proposal to reduce consumer safeguards
June 12, 2006
The OCC opposes an AT&T Ohio request to no longer comply with certain consumer protections that help inform customers about their rights and service options.
Customers' rates for telephone features could increase with Verizon plan
June 1, 2006
The OCC is protesting the plan proposed by Verizon that would allow it to increase rates of commonly used services. The OCC believes the plan is not in the public interest and that the PUCO should deny the application.
Consumers' Counsel reacts to state approval of Alltel merger and spin-off
May 26, 2006
The OCC reacts to a decision by the PUCO to allow Alltel Communications spin off its home telephone business and merge it with Valor Communications.
Ohio Consumers' Counsel: Consumers will not benefit from state regulators approval of Dominion natural gas plan
May 26, 2006
The OCC reacts to a decision by the PUCO to approve a Phase 1 trial period that allows Dominion East Ohio to begin the process of ending selling natural gas to customers.
Consumers' Counsel argues against Dayton Power & Light and FirstEnergy transmission charges at Ohio Supreme Court
May 10, 2006
The OCC advocated for residential customers of Dayton Power & Light and FirstEnergy at the Ohio Supreme Court. The OCC believes that an Ohio law that capped residents' electric rates from 2001-2005 was violated when the two companies were permitted to defer certain transmission charges in order to increase rates at a later time.
Consumers' Counsel opposes Dayton Power & Light billing fees at Ohio Supreme Court
May 9, 2006
The OCC advocated for residential customers of Dayton Power & Light at the Ohio Supreme Court. The OCC believes that charging residents for $16 million in billing system charges plus interest violates an agreement signed by the OCC and the company.
Consumers' Counsel achieves residential benefits through resolution of Supreme Court case on Cinergy-Duke merger
May 5, 2006
An agreement between the OCC and Duke Energy will provide benefits to residential consumers and resolve an Ohio Supreme Court appeal concerning the Cinergy-Duke merger.
May 2 aggregation ballot issues - Post election Letter to the Editor
May 4, 2006
This is an example of the letter to the editor sent to media outlets in communities where natural gas aggregation issues were passed on the May 2, 2006 ballot. Individual Letters to the Editor covered the following cities: Fostoria, Marietta and Salem.
Consumers' Counsel reacts to Supreme Court partial reversal of FirstEnergy decision
May 3, 2006
The OCC reacts to an Ohio Supreme Court decision finding a portion of a FirstEnergy rate plan unlawful. The decision was based on a challenge by the OCC, which argued the rate plan failed to follow Ohio's electric choice law.
OCC Advocates for benefits in Alltel merger
May 1, 2006
In comments filed at the PUCO, the OCC is advocating that more consumer benefits are needed before the PUCO allows Alltel to merge with Valor Communications.
Consumers’ Counsel advocates for AEP customers in the Athens, Canton, Columbus, Gahanna, Granville, Lima, Reynoldsburg and Worthington areas to have a voice on reliability problems
April 28, 2006
The OCC requests that state regulators hold public hearings in several specific locations throughout AEP's service territory as part of an ongoing investigation of the company's service-related reliability problems.
Ohioans should be wary of extra telephone fees
A guest column by Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers' Counsel
April 27, 2006
Some local and long-distance companies have added surcharges to customers' bills that are not taxes or government mandated fees. Now is the time for consumers to review their bills and determine whether their current plans meet their needs.
DP&L customers may save through electric choice pilot program
April 27, 2006
Customers of DP&L can now enroll in a pilot electric choice program that if successful will guarantee savings. The deadline to enroll in this risk free program is May 19.
Consumers’ Counsel argues against Cincinnati Gas & Electric rate plan at Ohio Supreme Court
April 25, 2006
The OCC advocated for residential customers of Cincinnati Gas & Electric at the Ohio Supreme Court. The OCC believes a rate plan that has resulted in significant generation rate increases since January 2006 is unlawful.
Consumers’ Counsel challenging Dayton Power & Light rate plan changes at Ohio Supreme Court
April 21, 2006
The OCC appeals changes to a Dayton Power & Light rate plan that add a new charge to customers' bills beginning in 2007 and continue increases in the company's generation rates through 2010.
Letter to the editor - May 2 aggregation issues
April 19, 2006
On May 2, residents in three Ohio communities will vote on natural gas aggregation ballot issues.
Consumers’ Counsel, Vectren reach agreement on efficiency programs
April 10, 2006
In an agreement filed today, the OCC and Vectren reached a consensus on proposed energy efficiency programs that could help reduce the amount of natural gas consumers use and lower monthly bills.
Energy efficiency as important now than ever - A guest column by Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel
April 5, 2006
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel and Green Energy Ohio have partnered together to commemorate Earth Day on April 22 to educate and promote energy efficiency and renewable energy and the practical way they can be utilized.
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Migden-Ostrander announces two years of accomplishments: Millions in savings and progress toward vision
April 5, 2006
Over the last two years, the OCC has produced millions of dollars in savings and been a strong, consistent voice on utility issues for residential consumers.
OCC, Green Energy Ohio commit to Earth Day partnership for energy conservation
March 30, 2006
Throughout April, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel and Green Energy Ohio will use the upcoming Earth Day to encourage greater awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Heating assistance still available; more consumers eligible
March 29, 2006
Ohioans still have time to apply for winter heating assistance with deadlines for the programs extended by the Ohio Department of Development.
Consumers’ Counsel urges Vectren customers to voice their opinion on proposed energy efficiency program at public hearings
March 20, 2006
The OCC urges customers of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio to attend a local public hearing to voice their opinion about the company’s proposal to implement an energy efficiency program that will help consumers lower their natural gas consumption and reduce their monthly bill.
Consumers’ Counsel reacts to new telephone rules
March 7, 2006
New telephone rules adopted today by state regulators took into account comments by the OCC as well as residential customers who filed letters and testified at public hearings that basic services need to remain reasonably priced.
Stay Connected Letter to the Editor
February 17, 2006
The OCC encourages consumers to research options that can help them stay connected to their electric and natural gas utility services.
Consumers’ Counsel recommends measures to promote new technologies, electric rate options
February 3, 2006
The OCC recommends new electric rate options for residential customers and rule changes that would open the door wider for consumers to generate their own electricity.
Consumers’ Counsel pleased with approval of minimum natural gas service standards
January 18, 2006
Consumers' Counsel comments on the PUCO's approval of the Minimum Gas Service Standards.
Consumers’ Counsel requests suspension of Alltel spin-off and scheduling of local public hearings
January 6, 2006
Today the OCC asked for the separation of Alltel's wireless and traditional home telephone service to be suspended. It also requested the scheduling of local public hearings.
Guest column: Residents can speak up on potential telephone rate increases.
January 5, 2006
The OCC is concerned about proposed telephone rules which could allow the prices of basic local telephone service and basic Caller ID to increase by 20 percent. Consumers have a chance to voice their opinions at local public hearings scheduled to take place in Athens, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Mansfield and Toledo.
Consumers’ Counsel contact information stays on disconnect notices
January 4, 2006
Consumers still will know how to reach their advocate when faced with disconnection.
Electric rates increasing in January for residential customers of Cincinnati Gas & Electric
January 4, 2006
The OCC alerts customers of Cincinnati Gas & Electric (CG&E) that their electric rates are increasing.
Residential customers of AEP seeing electric rate increase in January
January 4, 2006
The OCC alerts customers of American Electric Power's operating companies that they will begin to see their bills increase. A rate plan going into effect includes automatic generation rate increases for Columbus Southern Power and Ohio Power customers.

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