OCC Newsletter – Summer 2026
In this issue: 50 Years • Weatherize • Summer Crisis • Data Centers • Electric Bill • Case Updates • Legislative News • Consumer Alerts • Follow Us
Consumer Alert:
Enbridge Gas Ohio Seeks Bill Increase
Enbridge Gas Ohio Seeks Bill Increase
According to Enbridge, if its proposal is approved, consumers could see an average natural gas rate increase by about $7.60 per month (approximately 8%).
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.
Consumer Utility Assistance
Fact sheets about assistance programs and disconnection protections for utility services.
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.
OCC Newsletters
Timely information about residential utility issues, consumer protections, policy developments, and tips to help you save money.
“Watts” Driving Up Your Electric Bill?
Understanding what uses the most electricity is the first step toward managing energy use and avoiding higher bills.
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.
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.
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.
Your Guide to Energy Disconnection & Reconnection
There is help if you struggle to pay electric and natural gas bills.
30-Day Medical Certificate
Helps consumers avoid disconnection or reconnect service if someone in the home has a medical condition.
Consumer Advocacy
The Cost of Your Cloud: Data Centers in Ohio
As more data centers are being built in Ohio, the demand is putting stress on the state’s power grid and water supply.
Apartment Residents Deserve the Same Utility Protections
For too long, submetered tenants have paid more while receiving fewer protections.
Governor DeWine signs HB 15, Marking a Win for Ohio Consumers
House Bill 15 is a step forward for residential utility consumers in Ohio
Utility Consumers: Where is my refund?
Ohioans have been denied $1.5 billion in electric refunds since 2009.
OCC U.S. Supreme Court Victory Secures $445M in Savings for Ohio Consumers
Win Secures Savings for Ohio electric consumers through 2031 and beyond.
OCC Settlement Secures $280 million in Restitution for FirstEnergy Consumers
After six years, consumers’ counsel advocacy secures major accountability in House Bill 6 scandal.
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.
