OCC-26-163 Affordability & Credit Collections Expert

Background
The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) is an advocate agency for residential utility consumers in Ohio, established in 1976. The OCC's mission is to secure affordable, reliable, and equitable residential utility services essential to the well-being of Ohioans.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks qualified Independent Contractors to assist with organizing and structuring large amounts of consumer disconnection data to support advocacy efforts for consumer protections and promote fair access to utility services.

Work Details
The Independent Contractor will provide technical assistance in matters involving affordability and credit collections for Ohio electric, natural gas, and water cases. Key tasks include:
1. Reviewing PUCO rules on disconnection and credit establishment to recommend improvements for consumer protection.
2. Evaluating ODOD rules for the electric Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) and suggesting enhancements based on best practices from similar programs in other states.
3. Analyzing AMI disconnection waiver cases to assess impacts on consumers and recommend improvements.
4. Assisting OCC with AEP Ohio's rate case by reviewing disconnection policies and poverty statistics to identify additional consumer protections needed.

Period of Performance
The contract period will commence upon award and is expected to last until June 30, 2027, with a potential one-year extension through June 30, 2028.

Place of Performance
The work will primarily take place at the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel located at 65 E. State St., Suite 700, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Bidder Requirements
Offerors must comply with Executive Order 2022-02D regarding offshore services, affirm they do not owe money to the state of Ohio or have unresolved findings for recovery as per ORC 125.25, and certify compliance with campaign contribution limits as outlined in ORC 3517.13.