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"The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel provides representation where consumers may otherwise have none. Ohioans deserve affordable, reliable, and equal access to utility services that are essential to their well-being. We're here to see you get that. At the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, we put consumers first."

Maureen Willis

Ohio Consumers' Counsel

HB6 Cost to Consumers

$330,190,000

($510,492 per day)

HB6 Subsidies Ohioans have paid to AEP, AES & Duke

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

HB6 Subsidized Pollution

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)

Consumer Alert:
CenterPoint Proposes a 29% Increase for its consumers

A typical monthly residential bill, currently $78.86, will increase to $102.24, a 29.6% total bill increase. 

Consumer Alert:
FirstEnergy Asks the PUCO for a $190 Million Rate Increase

Some consumers would see more than $150 per year added to their bills under the proposal. 

 


 


Consumer Protection

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 couple moves a cardboard box while moving.
Utility Guide to Renting

Before signing the lease for your new apartment, understand what your utilities will be like before writing your name on the dotted line.

Subsidy Scorecard

Consumer payments for utility corporate welfare.

Energy Choice: Know Your Rights!

Ohio law clearly defines rules and codes of conduct marketers must follow. 

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.

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

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

How to Make Wise Energy Choices

Concerned about energy prices?

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

Nicer weather may increase energy marketers knocking and claiming to save you money.

Videos: Understanding Your Ohio Utilities
Videos: Understanding Your Ohio Utilities

Having trouble paying your utility bill or wondering about energy choice? 

Energy Choice: How to Spot a Bad Apple
Energy Choice: 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!

a pie chart showing 1.5 billion in electric refunds since 2009
Utility Consumers: Where is my refund?

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


Consumer Advocacy

Consumer Alerts
Your voices can make a difference.

It is very important for the PUCO to hear from you, the consumers directly affected by rate increases.

Let’s end consumer subsidies of coal power plants

OCC has long-opposed coal subsidies funded through consumers’ electricity rates 

A street sign that says reform
OCC Board Chair Writes Letter to PUCO Nominating Council

Asks to Reform its Process for Nominating PUCO Commissioner Applicants to the Governor.

Ohio Consumer Voices Need to Be Heard
Ohio Consumer Voices Need to Be Heard

OCC joined several Ohio Legal Aid advocates asking the PUCO for a virtual hearing in FirstEnergy’s latest rate increase proposal that consumers deserve.

Outside of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commision Building
OCC Files Complaint at FERC to Protect Consumers

OCC asks FERC to step in and review supplemental transmission projects that are costing Ohioans hundreds of millions of dollars.

A pen signs a document
Consumer Advocates’ Request for Utility Disconnection Suspension Adopted by PUCO

Ruling will give at-risk Ohioans protection from utility disconnection during assistance application process.

highlighting reform in the dictionary
Utility Reform

OCC Board passes resolution to reform the process for selecting PUCO Commissioners.

OCC and Advocates Call for Reform

OCC, Pro Seniors and LASSO write letter for reform.

Pen writing on a document
Call for HB 6 Veto

OCC and OMA ask Governor for veto of House Bill 6.

A gavel on a folder
OCC Calls for FE Investigation

OCC asks PUCO to investigate FirstEnergy on behalf of consumers.