Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Contact: Marty Berkowitz
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Cincinnati Bell basic service rates increased in Six Exchanges; Non-published, Vacation Line fees also raised

COLUMBUS, Ohio – February 23, 2009 – The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the residential utility advocate, advises customers that Cincinnati Bell has raised the following rates, effective February 17, 2009:

Basic local exchange service rates are increased as follows:
- Rate Band 1 – Cincinnati and Hamilton exchanges from $19.45 per month to $20.70 per month;
- Rate Band 2 – Cincinnati and Hamilton exchanges from $20.45 per month to $21.70 per month and Bethany, Harrison and Little Miami exchanges from $17.95 per month to $19.20 per month;
- Rate Band 3 – Williamsburg exchange from $18.95 to $20.20 per month.

These basic service rate increases are for stand-alone basic service not offered as part of a bundle, and are allowed under a regulatory plan approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), despite the lack of competition for such stand-alone basic service.

Non-published service is increased from $1.96 per month to $2.96 per month.
Also increased are the Vacation Line Service rates which are rated at half the tariffed BLES rate.

These rate increases were effective immediately as a result of a zero-day filing with the PUCO made by Cincinnati Bell (Case No. 90-5013-TP-TRF). Such filings do not require a proceeding at the PUCO in order to be put into effect.

Compiled Statements about the agreement for the Electric Security Plan for Dayton Power & Light Filed February 22, 2009

Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel:

“We were pleased to put in place a plan that will limit rate increases through 2012,” said Janine Migden-Ostrander Consumers’ Counsel. “Coupled with energy efficiency measures, consumers who take advantage of this cheapest alternative to new generation may see decreases in their electric bills. As these programs are created, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel will be consumers’ voice in developing the most useful programs that will give residents the tools to reduce their usage for the long term.”

Edgemont Neighborhood Coalition of Dayton:

“This settlement protects all customers and, by including emergency funds to keep families from losing their electric service it strengthens the social safety net and addresses an urgent community need. It will allow thousands of people each year to stay in their homes”, said Ellis Jacobs, Counsel for the Edgemont Neighborhood Coalition of Dayton. “The energy efficiency parts of the settlement will also be a giant help in making electric service affordable in the future.”

Sierra Club:

“The Dayton Power and Light Company has negotiated in good faith over many complex issues. The strong agreement in this case will allow DP&L and its customers to move forward with the energy efficiency and renewable energy resources required under SB 221 in a way which will save customers money and increase environmental benefit,” said Ned Ford, Sierra Club energy adviser. “The new law requires expansion of these resources over the next two decades. Today's settlement establishes a customer collaborative working group which will enable DP&L to transition faster, more effectively and more profitably than in the absence of these provisions, and ensures oversight to guarantee cost-effective savings.”

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.