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Consumers' Counsel regains complaint handling authority; praises Governor and legislature

COLUMBUS, Ohio – June 30, 2007 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, today praised Governor Strickland and the Ohio General Assembly for restoring the agency's complaint-handling authority through the state's new budget.

Once the budget language is implemented on Oct. 1, the OCC's toll-free hotline - available by calling 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) - again will be able to handle individual consumer complaints about electric, natural gas, telephone and water services provided by investor-owned utilities.

"Residential consumers throughout Ohio are well served by the ability for our office to again handle individual complaints about their utility services," said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers' Counsel. "When consumers have a problem with a utility, they need to be able to rely on their advocate. We commend Governor Strickland and the legislature for ensuring consumers can turn to their Consumers' Counsel to resolve complaints."

The passage of the state's budget legislation restored the ability for the OCC to handle individual consumer complaints, an authority that was removed during the 2005 budget process. Since September 2005, the OCC's hotline continued to function as an educational resource for consumers, however complaints were directed to the state utility regulator.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.