History of the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel
For over 50 years, OCC has represented millions of Ohio households, working to ensure fair treatment and just and reasonable prices for essential utility services.
Consumer Alert:
Duke Seeks Natural Gas Distribution Rate Increase
Duke Seeks Natural Gas Distribution Rate Increase
If Duke’s proposal is approved as filed, a typical residential consumer using 10 Mcf of natural gas per month would pay more than $24 per month extra – over $288 more per year.
Duke also proposes increasing its reconnection fee to $164 – $94 more than the current fee.
Consumer Alert:
Duke Energy Wants to Raise Your Electric Bill
Duke Energy Wants to Raise Your Electric Bill
For many Ohio families already struggling with higher costs for groceries, housing, gasoline, and healthcare, rising electric bills are becoming increasingly difficult to afford.
Consumer Alert:
FirstEnergy Wants to Raise Your Electric Bill
FirstEnergy Wants to Raise Your Electric Bill
If approved, residential consumers could see monthly increases for three years beginning in 2027.
In The News
Testimony & Filings
Consumer Protection
Consumer Alerts
Your voices can make a difference.
Your voices can make a difference.
It is very important for the PUCO to hear from you, the consumers directly affected by rate increases.
OCC Newsletter – Summer 2026
In this issue: 50 Years • Weatherize • Summer Crisis • Data Centers • Electric Bill • Case Updates • Legislative News • Consumer Alerts • Follow Us
“Watts” Driving Up Your Electric Bill?
Understanding what uses the most electricity is the first step toward managing energy use and avoiding higher bills.
HEAP Summer Crisis Program (SCP)
Assists with electric utility bills, central air conditioning repairs, an air conditioning unit and/or fan purchases.
Available July–Sept.
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus)
A year-round extended payment plan to pay electric and/or natural gas bills based on a percentage of household income.
Understanding Your Ohio Electric Bill: Where Your Money Goes
Your electric bill can be confusing, but knowing what each part means helps you take control of your energy costs.
OCC Newsletters
Timely information about residential utility issues, consumer protections, policy developments, and tips to help you save money.
Consumer Utility Assistance
Fact sheets about assistance programs and disconnection protections for utility services.
Utility-Provided Assistance Programs
Helps utility customers with payment assistance for electric, natural gas and/or water bills.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
A benefit directly applied once per heating season to the main heat source or bulk fuel bill.
30-Day Medical Certificate
Helps consumers avoid disconnection or reconnect service if someone in the home has a medical condition.
Utility Line Clearing and Tree Trimming
Ohio law requires utilities to maintain the safety of their lines.
Telephone Lifeline Programs in Ohio
Can provide income-eligible consumers a discount on telephone service.
Your Guide to Energy Disconnection & Reconnection
There is help if you struggle to pay electric and natural gas bills.
Consumer Advocacy
The Cost of Your Cloud: Data Centers in Ohio
While these facilities bring major business investment, they also use huge amounts of electricity. This could cause utility bills to go up for all Ohioans.
Video: The State of Ohio
Aug. 2026: Consumers' Counsel Maureen Willis talks with the Statehouse News Bureau’s Karen Kasler about utility issues affecting Ohioans.
Governor DeWine signs HB 15, Marking a Win for Ohio Consumers
House Bill 15 is a step forward for residential utility consumers in Ohio
OCC Settlement Secures $280 million in Restitution for FirstEnergy Consumers
After six years, consumers’ counsel advocacy secures major accountability in House Bill 6 scandal.
Apartment Residents Deserve the Same Utility Protections
For too long, submetered tenants have paid more while receiving fewer protections.
OCC Challenges Unfair Transmission Fee Increases at FERC
The proposed project includes new high-voltage transmission lines estimated to cost approximately $1.1 billion, with up to 60% of those costs potentially allocated to Ohio consumers.
OCC U.S. Supreme Court Victory Secures $445M in Savings for Ohio Consumers
Win secures savings for Ohio electric consumers through 2031 and beyond.
Utility Consumers: Where is my refund?
Ohioans have been denied $1.5 billion in electric refunds since 2009.