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Ohio Consumers’ Counsel responds to PUCO’s telephone disconnection changes

COLUMBUS, Ohio — December 17, 2008 — The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) responded today to an important change in the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s (PUCO) telephone disconnection rules.

The PUCO confirmed a decision it made in November - over the objections of the OCC and other consumer groups - to remove a safety net for telephone customers facing disconnection for non-payment of bills for "bundled services" with options ranging from call waiting and call forwarding to satellite television and Internet access. Historically, consumers with these bundles were able to maintain their basic dial tone by at least paying enough to cover that portion of their monthly bill. Other, non-essential services could be disconnected. Now, customers can be disconnected if they do not pay for the entire bundle.

“We are disappointed that the PUCO eliminated a consumer protection that allowed customers with bundled telecommunication services from a traditional telephone company to keep their local service by making partial payments on their bill,” said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel. “Our office sought to ensure customers with bundled services can at least keep their essential, basic dial tone connection, which has been the case for most of the last 20 years in Ohio.”

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 Web site at www.pickocc.org.