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PUCO to hold energy choice workshop in Parma Heights

COLUMBUS, OHIO (January 23, 2014) – Have you been approached by door-to-door energy marketers or received literature in the mail about shopping for your electricity or natural gas? Want to learn more and feel confident that the decision you make is right for you, your family or business?

On January 30th, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will be educating Parma Heights residents about energy choice. The event will take place 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Parma Heights branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library in Meeting Room A (6206 Pearl Road, Parma Heights).

Zachary Frymier, from the PUCO’s Office of Retail Competition, will conduct a workshop to explain your rights in choosing an electric or natural gas supplier. Energy choice in Ohio allows consumers to have greater control over their electric and natural gas options and may result in valuable consumer savings.

Topics that will be covered include:

• What is energy choice (Who are these suppliers contacting me?)
• What governmental aggregation means
• What to consider when shopping for an electric or natural gas generation supplier
• How to use the free tools available through the PUCO, like the Apples to Apples charts
• How to switch electric or natural gas generation suppliers

Mr. Frymier will also be available to answer any additional questions about Ohio’s emerging energy market. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their own electric or natural gas bills.  

For more information about energy choice, visit the PUCO’s website at www.puco.ohio.gov.

The PUCO Office of Retail Competition

With a number of legislative changes in the electric utility industry in Ohio over the past 14 years, the PUCO recognizes the need to educate consumers on the retail competition of utility services. With this recognition the PUCO created the Office of Retail Competition (ORC) in July of 2012. The mission of the Office of Retail Competition is to improve awareness, trust and understanding of market-based utility service in Ohio.

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The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.