Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Press Room

Contact: Beth Gianforcaro (614) 466-9491

Statement of Ohio Consumers' Counsel Bruce J. Weston

Governor Kasich signs Mid-Biennium Budget maintaining OCC current funding

COLUMBUS, Ohio – June 12, 2012 – The budget for the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) has been maintained at current funding levels, avoiding the previously scheduled reduction of $1.5 million on July 1st.

"Thanks are due to Governor Kasich for signing into law this measure that will help protect Ohio's residential utility consumers," said Ohio Consumers' Counsel Bruce J. Weston. "And thanks also are due to the many legislators in the Ohio General Assembly, including Senate President Thomas Niehaus, who supported preserving OCC's advocacy for Ohioans with regard to their utility services. The staff of the OCC has shown great dedication to protecting Ohio consumers, and I am grateful to lawmakers in the Senate and House for recognizing the value of this advocacy for the public," Weston added.

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. For more information, please visit the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.