The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) was created in 1976 by the Ohio General Assembly to represent residential consumers in matters related to their electric, natural gas, telephone, and water utility services. OCC also advocates in the legislature for laws that promote affordable and reliable utility services for consumers. Maureen Willis became the fifth Consumers’ Counsel in 2023.
OCC advocates for consumers at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Supreme Court of Ohio and other venues. OCC represents consumers in the regulatory process where they may otherwise have no voice.
Protecting consumers is at the heart of everything we do. Whether advocating against unjustified rate increases, ensuring consumers aren’t overpaying for utility services, or holding utilities accountable for poor service, our mission remains clear. Ohioans should pay only what is necessary for safe, reliable and affordable energy. We are working every day to ensure that consumers do not pay for gold-plated utility investments simply to give utility shareholders more profit. Affordability remains a cornerstone of our advocacy.
OCC is not funded by Ohio’s General Revenue Fund (taxes), but through a small fee on the earnings of state regulated utilities. OCC delivers significant value to consumers. Over the past five years, for every $1 spent on funding, OCC’s advocacy has resulted in approximately $29 in direct residential consumer savings.
Beyond regulatory advocacy, OCC educates thousands of consumers through its outreach. The Agency conducts virtual and in-person events, equipping Ohioans from all corners of the state with resources to navigate complex utility issues. We also diligently worked to educate and engage with local communities on issues affecting their residents. Additionally, OCC educates consumers on utility issues and choices in the competitive energy market.
OCC provides outreach and education to consumers through presentations and its user-friendly website (www.occ.ohio.gov). Speakers are available free of charge and can be scheduled by contacting OCC at 877-742-5622 or occ@occ.ohio.gov.
We remain committed to serving Ohioans. At OCC we put consumers first.
Maureen Willis
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel