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Telephone Lifeline Programs in Ohio
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Contact: Ryan Lippe
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Lifeline telephone assistance keeps Ohioans connected

COLUMBUS, Ohio – September 14, 2009 – The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), with support from Governor Ted Strickland, are reminding low-income families that they can stay connected to local resources and emergency services through telephone assistance programs.

Gov. Strickland has recognized Sept. 14 – 20, 2009, National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week in Ohio. During this awareness week, the PUCO and OCC are encouraging income-eligible Ohioans to pursue available state and federal telephone assistance programs to ensure they have access to valuable telecommunication services.

“We know there are consumers who are making difficult sacrifices to balance their household budgets in these difficult economic times,” PUCO Chairman Alan R. Schriber stated. “Lifeline telephone assistance, offered by Ohio’s telecommunications providers, can help these consumers stay connected to essential emergency services, business necessities and friends and families.”

Lifeline-eligible customers receive a discount on their monthly basic telephone service rate, a waiver of all charges for telephone service connection, are not required to pay a deposit or any up-front charges for establishing telephone service and receive free toll blocking and 900 or 976 blocking.

“Lifeline provides a vital resource for residential consumers who need assistance to stay connected or be reconnected to local telephone service,” said Consumers’ Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander. “We encourage Ohioans to find out if they are eligible, especially in times like these with household budgets stretched thin.”

Lifeline telephone assistance is available to customers that have a household income at or below 135 or 150 percent of the federal poverty level – depending on which telephone company serves them – or participate in other state or federal low-income programs including Medicaid, Food Stamps, General Assistance, Supplement Security Income, Section 8 Public Housing Assistance, Home Energy Assistance Programs or the National School Free Lunch Program.

Customers should contact their local telephone service provider to apply for participation in the Lifeline program. More information about the Lifeline is available on the PUCO Web site at www.PUCO.ohio.gov or the OCC Web site at www.pickocc.org. Customers may also contact the PUCO at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) or the OCC at (877) PICKOCC (877-742-5622) for more information.

About the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business, and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe, and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices.

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.