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Contact: Anthony Rodriguez
(614) 466-9547

OCC urges DP&L customers to testify at PUCO local public hearings

COLUMBUS, Ohio – February 10, 2009 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel is encouraging consumers of Dayton Power & Light to attend and testify at local public hearings regarding the company’s electric security plan proposal.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has scheduled three public hearings for consumers to express their opinions. The hearings have been scheduled as follows:

• Dayton, Feb. 26, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dayton Municipal Building, Council Chambers, 101 W. Third St., 2nd Floor; and

• Wilmington, March 4, 6 p.m. Wilmington Municipal Building, Community Room, 69 N. South St.

At the local public hearings, consumers can give sworn testimony which will become part of the official case and be considered as the PUCO Commissioners make a decision. The OCC staff will be in attendance representing residential customers of Dayton Power & Light and be available to media for interviews.

There are concepts in DP&L’s proposal the OCC supports including building a more advanced electric system and offering energy efficiency programs. But the costs proposed in DP&L’s plan are higher than what consumers should be expected to pay. The OCC has several recommendations for changes to DP&L’s plan that includes:

• the elimination of additional fuel costs;

• reducing the costs residential customers would have to pay for discounts provided to large energy users;

• minimizing the marketing costs for energy efficiency programs;

• offering all customers weatherization opportunities;

• lowering the expenses associated with upgrading meters and the electric grid;

• offering real-time pricing for customers; and

• providing incentives for consumers to generate their own renewable power.

Consumers who cannot attend a public hearing can write a letter to the PUCO. All letters and envelopes should reference Case No. 08-1094-EL-SSO and be sent to: Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, Attn: Docketing Division, 180 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 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 Web site at www.pickocc.org.