Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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OAW customers get chance to voice opinions on water increase request

COLUMBUS, Ohio – July 24, 2008 – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has set public hearings that will give customers of Ohio American Water (OAW) the opportunity to express their opinions on the utility’s proposed water and wastewater rate increases.

The Ohio American Water rate increase request would raise overall rates for residential water customers in Franklin and Portage Counties by 30 percent and by 12 percent for all of its other residential customers. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) has filed several objections to the PUCO related to OAW expenses, revenues, profits, service quality and rate structure as proposed in the company’s request. The OCC encourages customers to attend one of the following hearings and make their voice heard.

The local public hearings will are scheduled to be held in:

Mansfield – Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, 1:30 p.m., Mansfield-Richland County Library, Community Room, 43 W. 3rd Street.

Marion – Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, 7 p.m., Marion City Hall, City Council Chambers, 233 W. Center Street.

Galloway – Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, 6 p.m., Harvest Assembly of God Church, 8075 Dellinger Road.

Westerville – Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, 6 p.m., Faith Covenant Church, 3607 Dempsey Road.

“This is an important opportunity for consumers to express their thoughts on a proposal that could raise rates between 12 percent and 30 percent depending on the area served by OAW,” said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Ohio Consumers’ Counsel. “Water is an essential resource and must stay reasonably priced. We encourage consumers to attend these public hearings and let the decision makers know how they will be impacted by the higher bills.”

Ohio American Water last increased rates for customers in March 2007. It increased water rates 14 percent for customers in Franklin and Portage counties and 11.7 percent for all other customers.

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.