Consumers' Counsel announces public forums to discuss proposed electric rate increases
(Columbus) With customers’ electric rates at stake, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, in collaboration with other groups in Ohio Consumer and Environmental Advocates (OCEA) will hold a series of public forums throughout the state about the rate increases proposed by Ohio’s largest three electric utilities – American Electric Power, Duke Energy and FirstEnergy. The proposed increases are part of each utility’s Electric Security Plan, filed after the passage of Ohio’s energy policy (Senate Bill 221). The agenda for each forum will include a panel presentation to inform customers about what these plans will mean to consumers. Topics will include an overview of the local utility’s Electric Security Plan, energy efficiency, renewable energy and the impact on low-income consumers and seniors. The OCC and OCEA, a group of many Ohio advocate organizations, will discuss the new plans and experts will be available to address consumers’ questions, concerns and comments. “With proposals for significant rate increases being decided very soon, these public forums will help educate residential consumers and encourage them to voice their opinions to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO),” said Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers’ Counsel. “Consumers need to know about the electric utilities’ requests and how their household budget would be impacted. These rate plans are being considered by the PUCO at a quick pace, so time is of the essence for consumers to speak up.” All forums are scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. · Warren, September 16, Kent State University, Trumbull Campus – Main Building, Lecture Hall A, 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW · Sandusky, September 23, Sandusky Firelands Realtors’ Association Hall, 2710 Campbell Street · Toledo, September 25, Toledo City Council Chambers, 1 Government Center · Cleveland, September 30, West Side Ecumenical Ministry's Reinberger Auditorium, 5209 Detroit Avenue · Columbus, October 6, Ohio Department of Transportation Auditorium, 1980 W. Broad · Athens, October 8, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St, Suite 201 · Cincinnati, October 14 - Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency, 1740 Langdon Farm Road 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.
Date Published: Monday, August 25, 2008