http://www.pickocc.org/news/ Ohio Consumers' Counsel News en 60 http://www.pickocc.org/rss/images/occ-rss.gif http://www.pickocc.org/news/ http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2013-04-09.pdf The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) provided testimony to the Senate Public Utilities Committee regarding the benefits of energy efficiency on customers' electric bills. The Committee is considering Senate Bill 58 which directs the Ohio General Assembly to review Ohio's alternative energy and energy efficiency laws. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 Testimonies http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2013-04-03.pdf The Select Committee on Telecommunications Regulatory Reform held its second meeting to review the impact of SB 162 (128th General Assembly). The Consumers' Counsel holds a seat on the Committee. OCC provided testimony to the Committee regarding the effect of further deregulating the rates and service quality protections for Ohio's landline telephone customers. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 Testimonies /news/index.php?id=40 The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) staff, Duke Energy Ohio (Duke) and other parties signed two settlements today that will significantly reduce the impact to customers of the utility’s proposed increases to its electric and natural gas distribution rates. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/annualreports/2012/index.shtml OCC Annual Report 2012 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400 Newsletters /news/index.php?id=38 Electric customers of Duke Energy Ohio should not have to protect the utility from losses it claims it may sustain during its transition to a competitive market, according to testimony the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) filed yesterday. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2013/newsletters/jan.shtml In This Issue: To Shop or Not To Shop: Natural Gas Consumers Keep the Choice … For Now Fuel Funds Provide Relief from Energy Bills Legislation Affected Ohio Utility Consumers in 2012 Aggregation: A New Option for Some Electricity and Natural Gas Consumers Learn How to Protect Yourself from Scams at National Consumer Protection Week Events Share Your Experience About PIPP Plus Join us for our new webinar series! Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2013/pressrelease.php?date=02272013 Columbia Gas of Ohio customers who purchase their gas at the utility’s standard offer rate will continue paying a low rate. Today, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved the results of yesterday’s competitive auction that determined part of the standard offer rate for natural gas. Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2013/pressrelease.php?date=02202013 Dominion East Ohio customers who purchase their natural gas at the utility’s standard offer rate will continue paying a low rate. Today, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved the results of yesterday’s competitive auction that determined part of the standard offer rate for natural gas. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2013/pressrelease.php?date=02142013 Duke Energy Ohio (Duke) customers could see increases to their electric and natural gas bills if the utility's proposals are approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). According to Duke’s estimates, a typical residential customer would see their monthly electric bill increase by about $6.50, and their natural gas bill increase by about $10.25 per month. Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2013/pressrelease.php?date=01302013 The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today denied applications for rehearing filed by the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) and others. In the decision, the PUCO affirmed its Aug. 8, 2012 decision approving American Electric Power’s rate plan. Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2013/pressrelease.php?date=01232013 Customers of Dayton Power and Light Co. (DP and L) will have opportunities at two hearings to speak about the utility’s electric rate proposal. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) has scheduled two local public hearings. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/about/resolutions/2013/january.pdf Ohio Consumers' Counsel Governing Board approves resolution supporting low-priced energy choices Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=05032012 Sen. Shannon Jones Amends Legislation to Avoid Further OCC Budget Reduction Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/publications/electric/Electric_Modified_AEP_ESP.pdf American Electric Power (AEP) has reapplied to increase customers' bills after it filed a new rate increase request March 30, 2012, at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Fact Sheets http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/newsletters/march.shtml Features: Bruce J. Weston named Consumers' Counsel; AEP Ohio rates rejected by PUCO, future customer bills return to December rates; All Ohioans to benefit from low natural gas prices; New telecom legislation passes Senate; New financing tool can help lower costs to electric customers; Privacy standards a necessity for smart grid Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=04162012 Four public hearings in American Electric Power's rate increase proposal have been scheduled by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. AEP customers will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the affects the proposal may have on their individual situations. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/sb271-telecom.shtml Senate Bill 271: Proposed legislation allows telephone companies to stop providing basic phone service in some areas Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Fact Sheets http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=03202012b Bruce J. Weston has been selected to serve as the next Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), only the fourth in the agency's 35-year history, the OCC Governing Board announced today. He has been serving as the Interim Consumers Counsel at OCC since October 2011. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=03202012 OCC will present oral arguments at the Supreme Court of Ohio advocating for the inclusion of additional 2009 profits into American Electric Power's significantly excessive earnings test which could result in the return of an additional $22 million to customers of AEP's Columbus Southern Power utility. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=03062012b The OCC has asked the PUCO to deny AEP the ability to increase two charges that would harm electric competition in Ohio and to return unjustified charges to customers. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=03062012 Ohio American Water customers have the opportunity to testify at local public hearings scheduled regarding the utility's request to increase rates. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=02292012 Dominion customers who buy their natural gas from the utility will save nearly $40 per year after a natural gas auction reduced the cost of the retail price adder by 40 percent to 60 cents per thousand cubic feet. The new rate goes into effect April 1. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=02232012 The PUCO rejected an American Electric Power settlement and it will return rates to similar levels customers paid in December 2011. The decision to reject the settlement also could affect a number of other cases that were resolved including the company's distribution rates, and others. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=02142012 Columbia Gas customers will save about $29.75 per year after a natural gas auction reduces the cost for a retail price adjustment. The new rate goes into effect April 1. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/newsletters/january.shtml Features: Duke Energy customer bills decrease by $22 in 2012; AEP customer bills increase 6 percent; Legislation could affect telephone, water-sewer customers; Some Lifeline customers may see their rates increase; Recent incidents create a renewed emphasis on natural gas safety; 6 tips to save energy in the New Year; Retail auctions set for Columbia Gas customers in 2012 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=02012012 Customers who buy their natural gas from Vectren will experience savings beginning in April after an auction resulted in a retail price adjustment that is 30 cents cheaper than the current rate. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=01182012b AEP Ohio customers will not pay for closing costs for a 450-megawatt power plant the utility plans to shut. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=01182012 The Governing Board of the Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel (OCC) decided after deliberation during its regular meeting today that six candidates will be offered interviews for the position of Consumers Counsel. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2012/pressrelease.php?date=01032012 Under Ohio's new telecommunications law, some telephone companies now have the ability to annually increase monthly basic local service rates for Lifeline customers by up to $1.25. Lifeline programs provide financial assistance to low-income residents and help ensure that they can afford telephone service, either through a traditional wire line company or through a qualified wireless provider. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2011/pressrelease.php?date=12122011 A special meeting of the Governing Board Sub-Committee will take place at the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, 10 W. Broad St., 18th floor, Columbus, OH. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500 Press Releases