Kasich’s budget gives utilities a tax break by slashing consumer watchdog agency

[upstatecajun]

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel is a state office that is statutorily designated to represent Ohio consumers before various rating boards such as the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO.) It uses its office of lawyers and economists to try to make the case to such agencies why proposed utility rate hikes are not really necessary and harmful for the consumers.

The PUCO is an entity that approves rate increases. It’s also where energy lobbyists and senior utility executives go when they want a change of scenery. That’s been true under both Republican and Democratic Governors, by the way. Take for example, Governor Kasich’s latest appointment to PUCO. Kasich also appointed the new Chair of PUCO, who just happened to be the Republicans’ former Chair of the House Public Utilities Commission.

http://www.plunderbund.com/2011/03/17/kasichs-budget-gives-utilities-a-tax-break-by-slashing-consumer-watchdog-agency-corporate-win-win/








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