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Contact: Anthony Rodriguez
614-466-9547

Consumers to voice opinions, concerns at Ohio American Water public hearings

What: Public hearings on a proposed rate increase to Ohio American Water customers. Hearings are held by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).

Where:
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 1:30 p.m.
Mansfield-Richland County Library, Community Room 43 W. Third Street Mansfield, Ohio 44902

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
Marion City Council Chambers 233 W. Center Street Marion, Ohio 43301

Why: These public hearings will serve as an opportunity for residential consumers to express their opinions about how Ohio American Water’s proposed rate increase will affect their lives.

Ohio American Water has asked to increase its system-wide rates by $25 million for water and sewer service over four years. For residential customers in Mansfield and Marion, rates would increase about 75 percent and 72 percent, respectively, under OAW’s proposal. The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) has objected to this proposal and recommended that current rates be decreased.

If the PUCO accepts the OCC’s recommendations, average water consumers in Mansfield and Marion would experience a rate decrease of 8.1 percent, based on a monthly usage of 10 Ccf (hundred cubic feet). The OCC also is seeking to maintain or improve water quality, improve low-income programs, properly address conservation plans and make other improvements that will adequately protect consumers.

The OCC strongly encourages consumers to attend one of the hearings and provide testimony to the PUCO about the impact this proposed rate increase will have on them. At the hearing, consumers can testify about the quality of water, the adequacy of service, the proposed rate increase requested by the company or any other issues they feel are pertinent to the case.

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 website at www.pickocc.org.