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 Newsletter – Summer 2025
In this issue: Beat the Summer Heat, Letter from the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, Summer Crisis Program, Consumer Alerts, Utility Rate Case Updates, Legislative News, Utility Assistance, Energy Choice
Consumer Alert:
AEP Ohio Wants to Raise Your Electric Bill
AEP Ohio Wants to Raise Your Electric Bill
Adding to the pain from a recent 36% jump in the Standard Service Offer Price.
If approved, a typical AEP residential consumer’s annual bill could go up by nearly $50.
Consumer Alert:
Aqua Ohio Wants Another Water Rate Increase for Ohio Consumers
Aqua Ohio Wants Another Water Rate Increase for Ohio Consumers
$13.4 million more requested from consumers – Impact varies by service area.
Consumer Alert:
Aqua Ohio Wants Another Sewer Rate Increase for Ohio Consumers
Aqua Ohio Wants Another Sewer Rate Increase for Ohio Consumers
$1.2 million more requested from consumers – Impact varies by service area.
In The News
Consumer Protection
Energy Choice: Block the Knock
Nicer weather may increase energy marketers knocking and claiming to save you money.
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!
Consumer Alert:
Data Center Costs – Who should pay the costs of serving these power-hungry consumers?
Data Center Costs – Who should pay the costs of serving these power-hungry consumers?
OCC urges consumers to submit a public comment online.
OCC Newsletters
Timely information about residential utility issues, consumer protections, policy developments, and tips to help you save money.
Videos: Understanding Your Ohio Utilities
Having trouble paying your utility bill or wondering about energy choice?
Power Outage Tips and Consumer Rights
Be prepared and know your rights if a power outage occurred today.
Your Guide to Energy Disconnection & Reconnection
There is help if you struggle to pay electric and natural gas bills.
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.
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.
Energy Choice: Know Your Rights!
Ohio law clearly defines rules and codes of conduct marketers must follow.
Consumer Advocacy
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.
Let’s end consumer subsidies of coal power plants
OCC has long-opposed coal subsidies funded through consumers’ electricity rates.
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.
Consumer Advocates’ Request for Utility Disconnection Suspension Adopted by PUCO
Ruling will give at-risk Ohioans protection from utility disconnection during assistance application process.
OCC Calls for FE Investigation
OCC asks PUCO to investigate FirstEnergy on behalf of consumers.
OCC Board Chair Writes Letter to PUCO Nominating Council
Asks to Reform its Process for Nominating PUCO Commissioner Applicants to the Governor.
Utility Reform
OCC Board passes resolution to reform the process for selecting PUCO Commissioners.
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.