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Electric

As the state’s designated voice for more than four million Ohio residential electric consumers, the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) seeks to protect consumers by advocating for reasonable rates, reliable service, and energy payment assistance to those in need. OCC advocates for Ohioans before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and before federal agencies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).   

More than two decades after electricity was deregulated in Ohio, electric utilities continue to collect subsidies from their monopoly consumers. OCC’s Subsidy Scorecard shows that more than $15 billion in above-market subsidies have been charged to Ohio consumers by their electric utilities since 2000.


 

Featured Topics

3 coal power plant smoke stacks on a blue background
Recently Updated

$243,147,931

($533,589 per day)

HB6 Subsidies Ohioans have paid to AEP, AES & Duke

For coal-power plants since 1/1/20 (Estimated)

How to Spot a Bad Apple
How to Spot a Bad Apple

A bad deal with a natural gas or electric marketer could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. There are some “bad apples” to avoid!

Can You Benefit from a Utility Third-Party Notification?

A utility’s Third-Party Notification program serves as a safety net for consumers whose utility service could be disconnected.

Recently Updated

46,259,024 tons CO2

33,751 tons NOx

26,219 tons SO2

OVEC coal plant pollution from AEP, AES & Duke

Since 1/1/20 (Estimated per US EPA 2023 data)

A senior woman looks at a bill with a look of shock
Special Reconnect Order (SRO)

Assistance for utility customers (regardless of income) to reconnect or avoid service disconnection.

Available mid-Oct. to mid-April

A man holds a microphone
Consumer Alert:
FirstEnergy Rate Increase

FirstEnergy wants the PUCO to increase your electric bill

You Have the Right to Make Your Voice Heard at the PUCO!

A woman addresses a crowd with a microphone
Consumer Alert:
AEP Rate Increase

AEP wants the PUCO to increase your electric bill.

OCC says not so fast.

Subsidy Scorecard

Consumer payments for utility corporate welfare.

a pie chart showing 1.5 billion in electric refunds since 2009
Ohioans Denied Electric Refunds

Ohioans have been denied $1.5 billion in electric refunds since 2009.

Related Issues

Utility Service for Tenants (Submetering)

Tenants should understand how they will receive and pay for utility services before signing a lease agreement. 

Your Guide to Energy Disconnection & Reconnection
Your Guide to Energy Disconnection & Reconnection

There is help if you struggle to pay electric and natural gas bills.

A woman and child sit at a table while she is on a laptop and phone call
Utility-Provided Assistance Programs

Helps utility customers with payment assistance for electric, natural gas and/or water bills.

Power Outage Tips and Consumer Rights
Power Outage Tips and Consumer Rights

Be prepared and know your rights if a power outage occurred today.

A woman with her dog hold a door shut on a man holding a contract
Block the Knock

Rash decisions at the front door can cost you money.

How to Make Wise Energy Choices

Concerned about energy prices?

Utility Line Clearing and Tree Trimming

Ohio law requires utilities to maintain the safety of their lines.

How to Avoid Utility-Related Scams and Fraud

Common utility-related scams, how to avoid being scammed, and where to report it.

Electric Bill Made Easy

It is important that you read your bill each month, look for any unusual charges, and keep track of your normal electricity usage.

What You Need to Know About Utility Line Warranties

Information to consider when deciding whether to purchase a utility line warranty.

The Basics of Governmental Aggregation

Learn more about how government aggregation of energy works in Ohio.

A photo of electric meters at an apartment building
Submetering (reselling of utility services) and proposed legislation

A submeter allows an apartment owner or other company to purchase utility service (electric and water) and then resell that service to tenants.