Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Consumers' Corner: OCC Newsletter

November / December 2011
Features:
  • OCC and AARP to hold free "Managing Your Utility Bills" workshops
  • $78 million to be returned to AEP customers
  • OCC recommends reduction in one AEP proposal, objects to settlement in second
  • Agreement in Duke electric plan expected to lower customers' bills
  • Winter reconnect order requires PIPP Plus customers to pay up to $100 towards their electric and natural gas balances
  • Medical Certifications can prevent utility disconnection
  • How to save on your energy bills
  • OCC Governing Board Welcomes Two New Members; Moliterno Selected Board Chairman
September / October 2011
Features:
  • Migden-Ostrander announces resignation; OCC Governing Board names Weston as interim Consumers' Counsel
  • Winter reconnect order goes into effect in October
  • Important dates approach for PIPP Plus customers
  • Energy education subject of national student competition
  • Ohio utilities evolving to smart grid
  • Weatherization 101: Insulation can add up to big energy savings
  • Getting ready for a cozy, cost-saving winter: Tune up your furnace and other tips
  • Consumers Corner now features an expanded online format:
    OCC offers additional educational materials to consumers via popular website
  • FirstEnergy customers latest to be offered energy efficiency opportunities
July / August 2011
Features:
  • Budget cuts force OCC to close call center, reduce services
  • Yearlong utility problem fixed after one call to OCC
  • Two OCC publications earn recognition of excellence
  • Summer Assistance Programs
  • Refunds, rate reductions due to AEP customers
  • OAW proposes 19% - 26% increase in water rates for residential customers
  • Duke proposes 10-year rate plan
  • Renewable energy incentive programs now available for AEP customers
  • New and updated information available on OCC website
May / June 2011
Features:
  • Proposed budget cut would severely impact OCC's ability to represent utility customers
  • OCC wins at Supreme Court of Ohio, protects AEP customers from unlawful rates approved by PUCO
  • OCC's advocacy works for businesses as well as residential customers
  • Customers faced with two increases from AEP
  • Concerns linger with revised natural gas legislation; OCC seeks improvements to protect customers
  • Consumers' Corner Editor's note
March / April 2011
Features:
  • The OCC: Saving Ohio's utility customers $10 billion in 35 years
  • OCC advocacy leads to $92 million in residential customer savings
  • AEP offers home energy audits to customers
  • Efficiency puts cheaper energy at customers' fingertips
  • Proposed legislation will lead to rate increases for natural gas customers
  • Auction results in lower rates for Vectren natural gas customers
January / February 2011
Features:
  • Just Energy penalized $111,000, agrees to change sales practices after numerous complaints received
  • Additional payment assistance available for Columbia customers
  • Holiday cooking tips could save energy
  • Air leaks, duct work often major energy loss in mobile homes
  • OCC asks Supreme Court of Ohio to lower Vectren’s fixed distribution charge
  • FirstEnergy biomass conversion cancelled

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Please Note:

OCC has had to cancel many of its services, including its consumer call center, due to recent budget cuts. We realize you may continue to need assistance with your utility services. OCC's website provides free access to publications and resources.

You may seek assistance with utility complaints from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio: 800-686-7826. For complaints about non-utility related services, you may call the Ohio Attorney General at 800-282-0515.

Information believed accurate but not guaranteed.
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