Community Advisory Panel Contents
Community Advisory Panel Regions and Counties
Central
Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union
Northeast
Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga,
Holmes, Huron, Knox, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland,
Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne
Northwest
Allen, Auglaize, Champaign, Crawford, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock,
Hardin, Henry, Logan, Lucas, Marion, Mercer, Morrow, Ottawa, Paulding,
Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot
Southeast
Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Hocking,
Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble,
Perry, Vinton, Tuscarawas and Washington
Southwest
Adams, Brown, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Darke, Fayette, Greene,
Hamilton, Highland, Miami, Montgomery, Pike, Preble, Ross, Scioto
and Warren
What is a Community Advisory Panel?
![CAPS panel discussion](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090103230040im_/http://www.pickocc.org/education/images/caps_group.gif)
The
Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) created Community Advisory Panels (CAP) to
provide a forum for discussion of current utility issues, seek input from
representatives across the state, and extend our ability to inform and
educate consumers in Ohio.
The Community Advisory Panels serve as a resource for the OCC to expand
our outreach and education efforts and provide an effective network for
receiving consumer input and disseminating relevant utility information.
There is a Community Advisory Panel designated in the Central, Southeast,
Southwest, Northeast and Northwest regions of the state. Each panel is
composed of 30 to 35 volunteers who represent diverse constituencies.
Who can become a member?
The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel is looking for people involved within their
communities, members of professional organizations, employees of universities
and human service agencies, representatives of low income groups, senior
citizens and minorities, anyone interested in learning more about public
utilities and educating others in the process.
What are the goals?
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Provide a communications channel for CAP members to advise OCC about
community attitudes, opportunities and needs regarding utility issues.
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Identify current and long-term issues that impact residential utility
customers.
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Provide a forum to enable OCC to keep you and your constituents
current on the latest changes in the electric, natural gas, telecommunications
and water industries.
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Assist OCC in its role as the residential utility advocate by working
with the agency on grassroots education efforts to educate consumers
about issues that are important to them.
When are the meetings?
Community Advisory Panel meetings are held at regular intervals throughout
the year in each region. Meetings are often rotated to different locations
within each region to ensure full access and participation from members.
Special attention is given to schedule meetings where there is adequate
free parking and accommodations for disabled participants. Light meals
and refreshments are served at each meeting.
In addition, OCC hosts a statewide Community Advisory Panel meeting
every spring in Columbus to bring all CAP members together to share information,
learn about new issues and discuss the future of the utilities industry.
How long will I serve?
Each Community Advisory Panel member will be asked to serve an indefinite
term. If a member cannot attend one of the meetings, or does not wish to
serve on the panel any longer, he or she can appoint another staff member
from their organization to participate. OCC regularly reviews the participation
and composition of the panel to ensure that everyone’s needs are being
met. Membership is voluntary, and OCC does not provide reimbursement for
transportation, or lodging expenses.
I want to be a member.
If you are interested in becoming a Community Advisory Panel member, please
contact Linda Walls-Rominski at (614) 466-9571, email
outreach@occ.state.oh.us or
toll free at 1-877-PICKOCC (742-5622).