Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

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Contact: Ryan Lippe
(614) 466-7269

Local public hearings set for residential consumers about proposed Duke Energy electric distribution rate increase

COLUMBUS, Ohio – March 3, 2009 – corrected copy – The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) is encouraging customers of Duke Energy-Ohio to express their opinions about the utility’s proposed electric distribution rate increase during upcoming public hearings before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO):

Cincinnati – Monday, March 16, 2009, 6:00 p.m., Union Township Civic Center Hall, 4350 Aicholtz Road

Cincinnati – Thursday, March 19, 2009, 12:30 p.m., Cincinnati City Hall, Council Chambers, 801 Plum Street

Liberty Township – Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 6:00 p.m., Lakota East High School, Freshman Campus, Auditorium, 7630 Bethany Road

The OCC, representing residential consumers in this case, has filed expert testimony stating that Duke has overstated its need for an $85.6 million increase in total distribution rates. In that testimony filed at the PUCO on Feb. 27, the OCC also provided evidence that Duke’s proposed increase should be cut by more than half, by $46 million.

In addition, Duke has loaded a majority of costs into a flat-rate monthly charge, which does not enable customers to properly see savings through energy efficiency. This change also may make it more difficult for low-income customers to pay their electric bill.

“We encourage Duke Energy customers to participate in these hearings, provide testimony about how they will be impacted by higher electric rates and speak out about any service or reliability issues they have experienced,” said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel.

Sworn testimony provided by the public at the local hearings will become part of the official case and be considered as the PUCO Commissioners make a decision.

The local hearings are being held by the PUCO, which regulates investor-owned electric utilities and makes rate decisions. The OCC will attend the hearings and be available to answer consumers’ questions.

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.