The Robert F. Manifold Award is the highest honor of the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, recognizing a lifetime of public service. It was awarded to Bruce Weston for "Dedication and Meritorious Service to the People of Ohio and to NASUCA."
The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) provides knowledgeable outreach and education professionals to talk about issues concerning the electric, natural gas, telephone, and water industries. Speakers are available free of charge and are prepared to cover a variety of topics to groups of 30 or more. The length and content of presentations are determined by the needs of the audience. OCC also welcomes the opportunity to speak to groups during their lunch hour.
For more information about the speakers, visit our Speakers Bureau page.
To request a speaker, fill out and submit the speaker request form, call (614) 466-8574 or (877) 742-5622 (toll-free in Ohio) or email occ@occ.ohio.gov.
Consumer Protections – Avoiding Utility Scams
Consumer scams are prevalent and can also involve your utility service. Is there really a problem with your bill? Can you really save money? How do you know? What should you do? Knowing your rights and how to protect yourself is a must! Learn to identify scams, effectively say “no,” and reduce unwanted solicitations. The latest utility scams, Caller ID spoofing, slamming and cramming will be discussed..
Managing Your Utility Bills
As costs rise, learn how to better manage your utility bills. This program discusses consumer assistance programs, Energy Choice options, and energy efficiency.
Stay Connected to Your Utilities – Maintaining utility services (available for consumers or as a train-the-trainer)
This in-depth program provides information on disconnection protections and financial assistance programs to help keep electric, natural gas, and telephone services connected. The "train-the-trainer" program is available to agencies and organizations serving low-income consumers. Topics include consumer assistance programs, consumer rights, payment arrangements, Q&A and more. A shorter version of this program is also available for consumers.
Energy Choice – Learn about your electric and natural gas choice options
The major investor-owned utilities in Ohio offer customers the choice to buy their natural gas or electricity from an alternative supplier. Learn the possible benefits and how to make the best decision for your household.
Understanding Your Electric and Natural Gas Bill
Do you find your electric or natural gas bill difficult to understand? We will take you through the items on your bill and help you make sense of them. Electric and natural gas choice options will also be discussed.
Power Outage Tips and Consumer Rights
Are you prepared if the electric goes out? This program discusses your rights and provides tips for staying safe during a power outage.
Understanding Your Telephone Bill
Telephone bills can be difficult to understand. Learn about charges you can control and those that can be avoided. Understanding the charges on your telephone bill can help you make sure that you are not overcharged.
Ways to Save Money by Conserving Energy
Save money on your energy bills by making your home more energy efficient all year round. Hear tips on how to save money on your natural gas, electric, and water bills by making no-cost or low-cost changes around the house. Learn about the benefits of ENERGY STAR®, LED light bulbs, programmable thermostats, and other energy-saving tips.
Are You an Energy Saver?
How much do you really know about energy efficiency and keeping energy bills low? Test your knowledge during this fun and interactive presentation while learning fun facts and ways to reduce energy usage. You may be surprised to learn what the true energy users in your home are, and you may discover you can lower your utility bills even more!