http://www.pickocc.org/news/ Ohio Consumers' Counsel News en 60 Wed, 07 May 2008 12:30:00 PM EST http://www.pickocc.org/rss/images/occ-rss.gif http://www.pickocc.org/news/ http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/newsletters/may.shtml Features: Consumers can speak out against higher FirstEnergy rates; OCC in your corner; Learn about the availability of enhanced 911; Utility bills can be a valuable tool to reduce energy usage; Need to Know: Remember to call first before you dig; Program your way to energy savings Wed, 07 May 2008 12:30:00 PM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=05012008 The signing of Senate Bill 221, Ohio's energy policy legislation, puts the future of residential customers' electric rates in the hands of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). As rules are proposed and rate plans are considered, the OCC will continue to advocate for and protect the interests of Ohio's residential ratepayers. Thu, 01 May 2008 03:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04302008 Vectren customers in the Miami Valley will have the potential to save money through changes in the way their natural gas is priced. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04232008 The OCC's initial review of the electric legislation passed today shows that some of the key safeguards the agency has advocated for on behalf of Ohio's 4.5 million households have been adopted while other important safeguards were not. Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:30:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04182008 The OCC came to an agreement with Aqua Ohio that is designed to improve customer service and other issues facing its water customers. Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:10:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04152008 Ohio and its residential consumers would benefit from the General Assembly passing the advanced energy portions of Senate Bill 221, Ohio's energy policy legislation. The OCC recommended that the remainder of Senate Bill 221 be significantly changed if it is passed by the House and sent to a legislative conference committee in its current form. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2008-04-14.pdf Testimony on State Energy Policy by Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:00:00 PM EST Testimony http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04102008 The OCC is optimistic about a new version of Senate Bill 221, Ohio's energy policy legislation. The OCC had recommended changes to the original legislation that would ensure residents would be provided the lowest cost energy option and adopt renewable and energy efficiency standards to provide Ohioans with a diverse portfolio of energy resources. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04092008a The approval of an agreement among Columbia Gas of Ohio, the OCC and other stakeholders will result in natural gas riser safety issues being resolved at a reduced cost to residential consumers. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=04092008 On April 22, residential consumers can use this year's Earth Day to begin applying energy efficiency tips and supporting renewable energy. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:00:00 AM EST Guest Column http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03282008 The OCC requests that a proposed distribution rate increase by FirstEnergy be cut by more than $300 million and a new investigation be opened to address the utility's service reliability. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:10:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03272008 Public hearings will be held by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to give residential consumers the opportunity to voice their opinions on changes to the method Dominion East Ohio uses to purchase natural gas. The changes would result in a competitive auction process to obtain natural gas supply for customers. Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03142008a With a special 90-day moratorium on shutoffs ending on March 18, the OCC wants as many residents as possible to avoid disconnection and alerts them that assistance programs are available. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:15:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03142008 The OCC is pleased with the decision handed down by the Ohio Supreme Court concerning the collection of costs for American Electric Power's proposed integrated gas combined cycle power plant. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 11:10:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/newsletters/march.shtml Features: Energy alternatives, transparency crucial to energy future; March brings FirstEnergy customers the chance to speak up; OCC in your corner; Utility rate cases begin heating up; Natural gas agreements to benefit Columbia Gas customers; Q&A: My utility wants to raise my rates. What can I do? Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:45:00 AM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03072008 The OCC reacts to the appointment of Cheryl Roberto to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 03:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03062008 The OCC reacts to the Supreme Court of Ohio's decisions on AT&T and Cincinnati Bell basic local service "alternative regulation." Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:15:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=03052008 The OCC reacts to Verizon being held accountable for missing service quality benchmarks. Wed, 05 Mar 2008 03:35:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02292008 An agreement reached involving some of the major issues within Duke Energy's natural gas rate case would benefit residential consumers by trimming the increase proposed by the utility. The OCC and all other parties involved in the case signed the agreement, which must receive the approval of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Commissioners before going into effect. Fri, 29 Feb 2008 04:50:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2008-02-28.pdf Testimony by Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:45:00 PM EST Testimony http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02272008 Public hearings will be held by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to give residential consumers the opportunity to voice their opinions on changes to the method Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio uses to purchase natural gas. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:00:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02212008 The OCC supports measures introduced to improve Ohio's use of renewable energy and help lower consumers' demand for electricity Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:45:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02142008 The OCC provides consumers daily tips during National Consumer Protection Week, March 3 through 7, 2008. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:45:00 AM EST Guest Column http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02132008 The OCC encourages residential consumers of FirstEnergy to participate in upcoming local public hearings by testifying on the electric utility's proposed rate increase. A total of 12 hearings have been scheduled from March 5 through March 24. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:55:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02052008 The OCC encourages residential consumers of Aqua Ohio to participate in local public hearings Feb. 25 and 27 by testifying on the water utility's proposed rate increase. Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:20:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=02042008 The OCC encourages residential customers of Duke Energy-Ohio to participate in local public hearings scheduled for February 21 and 25 on the utility's natural gas rate increase request. Mon, 04 Feb 2008 03:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/newsletters/january.shtml Features: Advocacy for consumer protections continues as energy policy legislation reaches Ohio House; Managing winter heating bills through efficiency and assistance; OCC in your corner; Clear access helps to get meter read; Revised telephone rules go into effect; Rumors about national Do-Not-Call list can confuse consumers; Q&A: Telephone Lifeline programs help start and maintain service; Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:40:00 PM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=01292008 The OCC believes a proposed rate increase for Duke Energy Ohio's natural gas customers is unreasonable and should be rejected. When all components of Duke's plan are considered, the case could cost all customers (residential, commercial and industrial) $500 million over the next several years. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=01242008 The OCC has asked the PUCO to reconsider its decision which approved a more complicated and lengthy public notice by Ohio American Water. The approval also allowed the application to increase rates to be considered for Franklin and Portage counties even though OAW has failed to fulfill its commitments to resolve the poor quality of water. Thu, 24 Jan 2008 8:30:00 AM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2008-01-16.pdf Testimony on transparency by Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:45:00 PM EST Testimony http://www.pickocc.org/news/2007/newsletters/december.shtml Features: Your voice is needed on state energy legislation; OCC in your corner; Facts to consider about utility line warranty programs; Assistance available for winter; Need to know: 'Green' energy terms Tue, 15 Jan 2008 05:00:00 PM EST Newsletters http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=01102008 The OCC believes a proposed distribution rate increase for FirstEnergy's residential customers is unreasonable. According to the OCC's experts, distribution rates should go down - not up - in two of FirstEnergy's Ohio operating companies (Cleveland Electric Illuminating and Ohio Edison). The increases should be reduced from those filed by the third company (Toledo Edison). Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:30:00 PM EST Press Releases http://www.pickocc.org/lservices/testimony/2008-01-09.pdf Testimony on State Energy Policy by Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:45:00 PM EST Testimony http://www.pickocc.org/news/2008/pressrelease.php?date=01082008 The OCC alerts customers that Cincinnati Bell Telephone has increased monthly rates for basic local telephone service in the Cincinnati and Hamilton exchanges for the second year in a row. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 01:30:00 PM EST Press Releases