[OPLINLIST] ICYPA: Consumer Utility Questions 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) www.pickocc.org

[Frank Atkinson]

Consumers have utility resource through

1-877-PICKOCC

 

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) is the state's residential
utility consumer advocate. Through its toll-free hotline, letters and
website inquiries, consumer service representatives handle a wide variety of
utility questions and informational requests. Consumers contact the OCC for
a variety of reasons, including to:

 

    *      Find out answers to utility questions

    *      Inquire about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues

    *      Receive fact sheets on understanding utility bills and other
related topics

    *      Learn cost saving tips

    *      Receive information on disconnection and reconnection of utility
services

    *      Learn how to apply for low-income assistance programs

 

Typically, the OCC hears from consumers who want to learn about the choices
they may have in utility companies or they may want to have questions
answered about charges on their utility bills. During the winter heating
season many of the calls are from consumers who are facing the loss of
utility services and want to learn how to maintain their service or get
their service reconnected.

 

Last year, the OCC's call center staff helped Dominion East Ohio customers
understand why the rate they pay for natural gas changed names. The OCC
assisted Dominion's customers become more informed about the changes they
were facing as they began paying a more market-based rate.

 

Also during 2006, the OCC took time to explain rate increases on some
electric bills. These increases resulted from the implementation of rate
plans that were opposed by the OCC. Several other issues that consumers
called the OCC about stemmed from the numerous cases that the OCC argued at
the Ohio Supreme Court.

 

Representatives are available Monday through Friday between the hours of 8
a.m. and 5 p.m. by calling toll free 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622). The OCC
also operates an automated informational voicemail service which is
available 24 hours a day.

 

In addition to the toll-free number, consumers can reach the OCC customer
service representatives by sending requests or questions to
occ at occ.state.oh.us, visiting the website at www.pickocc.org or by writing
to Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, 10 W. Broad Street, 18th floor,
Columbus, Ohio 43215.

 

 

Frank Atkinson                                         franka at ohcapcon.com

Rotunda Inc/Ohio Capitol Connection
http://www.rotundacollection.com <http://www.rotundacollection.com/> 

21 W Broad St, Columbus Ohio 43215        

 

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