Proposed cuts to Ohio public utilities consumer watchdog group brings criticism

[upstatecajun]

The office charged with protecting Ohio's consumers in utility cases could face substantial cuts in Gov. John Kasich's new state budget, a move that is drawing criticism nationwide.

Ohio Consumers' Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander says the attempt to cut her budget by more than half would force significant staff cuts and sap her ability to represent the state's 4.5 million consumers.

The office's staff of attorneys scrutinizes rate increases proposed by utilities to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, which decides whether to approve them. The OCC invariably objects.

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/03/proposed_cuts_to_ohio_public_u.html