Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Media Center

Migden-Ostrander named “Public Servant of the Year” by the Ohio Environmental Council

COLUMBUS, Ohio – October 26, 2007 – Citing her commitment to the potential cost savings that clean energy can produce for customers and the achievement of negotiating more than $100 million in cost- and energy-saving benefits for Ohio’s residential consumers, Consumers’ Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander will be named “Public Servant of the Year” by the Ohio Environmental Council (OEC). She will be presented the award at the OEC’s Annual Reception and Awards Ceremony to be held Saturday at 6 p.m. at The Fawcett Center at The Ohio State University, 2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus.

“I am honored to receive this recognition, which represents the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel’s commitment to ensuring that our state focuses on the cost savings for residential utility consumers and job growth potential of energy efficiency and renewable power,” said Migden- Ostrander. “With the likelihood of stronger federal pollution regulations, protecting the environment and providing the lowest cost electricity to customers are complementary goals.”

“Ohio's Consumers' Counsel is being recognized for making connections and strides to protect consumer utility rates and the environment,” said Jack Shaner, public affairs director at the OEC. “When it comes to clean energy’s potential to save customers money, shrink greenhouse gas emissions, and grow new jobs, Ohio’s consumers – and the environment – have never had a better advocate than Janine Migden-Ostrander.”

Naming Migden-Ostrander “Public Servant of the Year,” OEC is recognizing several of her recent accomplishments, including:

Green pricing programs – The Consumers’ Counsel worked with Ohio’s top three power producers – American Electric Power, Duke Energy and FirstEnergy – to gain commitments to offer customers a green pricing program. These programs allow customers to pay a small premium to support the production of renewable power from wind, solar and other clean resources. For consumers who wish to advance the renewable energy market and help offset the carbon emissions from their electric consumption, these programs provide an opportunity to make a difference.
Energy efficiency programs – The Consumers’ Counsel helped negotiate more than $100 million in energy efficiency program investments by Duke Energy and FirstEnergy. Examples of benefits to consumers include in-home energy analyses and incentives for purchasing energy efficient furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners, and for participating in a voluntary load control option during peak hours.
Support for a renewable portfolio standard – As Consumers’ Counsel, Migden- Ostrander supports a standard of a renewable portfolio for Ohio, which would help diversify how energy is produced. The state has well-researched and documented the potential to develop wind and solar facilities. Because these resources do not pollute and have no fuel costs associated with them, Migden-Ostrander recommends that Ohio obtain a minimum of 20 percent of its energy from renewable resources by 2025.
Advocacy for an energy efficiency portfolio standard – The Consumers’ Counsel recognizes that energy efficiency is a far less costly option than any supply-based energy option that would require the building of new power plants. An energy efficiency portfolio represents Ohio’s best opportunity to manage and deflect rising costs to keep service affordable for customers. The Consumers’ Counsel supports technology that helps lower customers’ demand for power through energy efficiency.

Editor’s note: High-resolution photographs and a bio of Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden- Ostrander can be downloaded from the Media Center menu at www.pickocc.org.

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.