Here’s the heart of this episode in a nutshell:This “Looking Forward Our Way” episode is all about helping Ohioans make sense of their utility bills and understand their rights as utility customers. We sit down with Kathryn Metz from the <a href="https://www.occ.ohio.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ohio Consumers’ Counsel</a> (OCC)—basically the state’s watchdog and advocate for regular folks when it comes to utilities like electricity, gas, water, and even landline phones.Why should anyone care? Because utilities are something we all have to deal with, and lately, the costs and choices just keep getting more complicated (and expensive). The OCC isn’t just there for emergencies—they’re fighting every day so you don’t get overcharged, educating you about your options (like how to shop for energy and avoid sneaky contracts), and making sure vulnerable Ohioans (seniors, people with tight budgets) can get help paying bills when they’re struggling. They even break down confusing bills and warn about energy scams that pop up every time prices go up.The episode also dishes on hot topics like the fallout from the House Bill 6 scandal (where Ohio residents ended up footing the bill for a shady energy bailout), the crazy impact of new data centers using tons of electricity, and issues with submetered utilities that can make your bills skyrocket without many protections.Bottom line: If you pay for utilities in Ohio, this is stuff you need to know so you can protect your wallet, avoid scams, and make smart choices about your energy. The OCC is there to help, but step one is staying informed—and that’s exactly what this episode is all about. If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/lookingforwardourway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">your support of offset costs</a> of producing the podcast!Here are three key takeaways for every Ohioan:OCC Is Your Advocate: The OCC was established in 1976 to serve as an independent voice for Ohio's residential utility consumers, helping save billions by holding utility companies accountable and ensuring fair pricing.Know Your Options—And Your Bill: Ohioans can shop for energy suppliers, but staying with your utility’s standard offer is often the most cost-effective choice. Always read your bill closely—delivery and supply charges are different, and misinformation or scams can lead to costly mistakes.Beware of Scammers & Protect Your Info: Never share your utility account number freely—it should be as protected as your Social Security number. Beware of aggressive door-to-door marketers and unintended contract changes. You can request to be put on a utility "Do Not Contact" list for extra protection.Key Moments00:00 Journey from Humanitarian Aid to Teaching03:57 Ohio Utility Consumer Advocacy Agency07:53 Ohio Summer Cooling Assistance Program11:52 AEP Rate Increase Alternatives15:19 "Compare Ohio Energy Suppliers Easily"19:04 Traveling Speakers Share Critical Info21:29 Ohio's Costly Coal Plant Subsidies24:57 Ohio Data Centers Settlement Decision27:30 Beware of Energy Market Scams30:03 Protect Your Utility Account Number33:24 Utility Scams and Submetering Issues36:37 Future Uncertainty for LIHEAP Funding39:07 Ohio Energy Aggregation Rate ChangesWe would love to hear from you.<a href="https://podinbox.com/LFOW" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.</a>Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.Find us on <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/lfow.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bluesky</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lookingforwardourway/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<a href="https://g.page/looking-forward-our-way/review?gm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Please review our podcast on Google!</a>And of course, everything can be found on our website, <a href="https://my.captivate.fm/www.lookingforwardourway.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Looking Forward Our Way.</a>Recorded in Studio C at <a href="https://my.captivate.fm/www.channel511.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">511 Studios</a>. A production of <a href="https://my.captivate.fm/www.circle270media.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants</a>.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson Mentioned in this episode:Listener DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.

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