Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Ohio Consumers’ Counsel commends Gov. Strickland for energy shutoff moratorium request

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Dec. 18, 2007 – With residential consumers facing cold temperatures and potentially high bills, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) today commended Gov. Ted Strickland for strongly urging state regulators to consider a ban on shutting off customers’ heating sources during this winter season.

“We commend the Governor for his leadership and concern for residential consumers facing disconnection,” said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel. “The request would prioritize consumers’ need for heat at a time when they are strapped with so many rising costs. With more than 300,000 disconnections occurring since the beginning of 2007, more customers losing service this winter is a major concern. We are pleased the Governor is addressing this issue proactively.”

The OCC said consumers need to understand they will still be obligated to pay any past due amounts for utility costs during this moratorium. The OCC’s toll-free hotline, 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622), is a free resource for residents needing help making alternative payment arrangements with a utility, finding out about state assistance programs, learning energy efficiency tips or working out a complaint about their utility service.

Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by calling 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622). An automated informational voicemail service is available 24 hours a day. In addition to the toll-free number, consumers can reach consumer service representatives by sending requests or questions to occ@occ.state.oh.us, visiting the website at www.pickocc.org or by writing to Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, 10 W. Broad Street, 18th floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

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.