Welcome to the Connecticut OCC

Since 1975, our independent agency has spoken up on behalf of Connecticut’s regulated utility customers. The Office of Consumer Counsel’s (OCC) mission is to advocate for quality, reliable utility services at the lowest possible rates. We also advocate for access to dependable telecommunications and broadband services. Learn more about the OCC and find important resources, including:

  • An introduction from Consumer Counsel Claire E. Coleman
  • A description of what we can and can’t do on behalf of consumers
  • Resources for electric, water, natural gas, and telecommunications services help
  • Latest news and outreach opportunities to make your voice heard
  • Our contact information

About OCC's role

OCC’s role is to make the customer’s voice heard and protect utility consumers’ interests where important decisions regarding their services are being made. We represent consumer interests in matters before the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and other State, Regional, and Federal decision-making bodies. We can’t, however, provide individual legal representation on a case-by-case basis.

Get electric service tips

Electricity is an essential public utility service we rely on every day. We've put together helpful information here that includes:

  • How to pick a competitive supplier
  • How to file a complaint if you aren’t happy with your current service
  • Why prices and services are regulated
  • Ways to lower your electric bill
Learn about electricity  

Find safe, clean water service

Water service is essential to our everyday life. At CT OCC, you can find information on the following:

  • Your water bill and how to get help paying it
  • How water rates are set and the rate-making process
  • Ways you can speak up about water issues that matter to you
  • What radon is, how it gets into water, its health risks, and how to lower its levels
Learn about water  

Learn about radon and drinking water 

Learn about radon’s health risks and how it gets into your home. Find how to reduce levels in your water.

Get help paying water bills 

Find Connecticut programs that help people pay for water and other utilities.

Learn if your water is safe to drink 

How do you know if your water is safe to drink? Find answers to these questions and more.

Get natural gas service information

Natural gas is important for everything from cooking to keeping warm during cold Connecticut winters. We can help with the following areas:

  • Resources and programs to help pay for and lower your natural gas bills
  • How to file a complaint or make your voice heard if you aren’t happy with your service
  • A glossary of some popular terms
Learn about natural gas  

Get help paying your bill 

See programs that help people pay for natural gas and other utilities.

Understand your bill 

Learn what’s covered by the charges listed on your bill.

Access telecommunications & broadband info

Housed within the OCC, the Office of State Broadband (OSB) follows General Statutes § 16-2a(c). We also do the following:

  • Treat broadband as important as electricity, heat, and water
  • Advocate for reliable internet and broadband services
  • Encourage broadband companies to consider public interests
Learn about CT broadband  

FCC Glossary of Telecommunications Terms 

Find an A to Z glossary of popular telecommunication terms.

Why broadband is important 

Learn how broadband has transformed important businesses and services.

Accidental 9-1-1- calls 

Get FCC information about how to avoid accidentally calling 9-1-1 from your cell phone.

Find news and outreach

When utility companies want to change rates, we represent the customer perspective. CT OCC reviews rate change requests and crunches the numbers. That way, PURA has a balanced record to make decisions and can account for customer impact. Find the following information here:

  • Clear facts about why rates change and how it impacts your bill
  • Ways to save money by comparing offers from third-party suppliers
  • Summaries of our recent work and tips you need to know
  • Resources to learn about and get involved with the process
Find news and outreach  

Contact CT OCC

Please note: We don’t take walk-in appointments.
Phone: 860-827-2900
Fax: 860-827-2929
Email: occ.info@ct.gov
Business hours:
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Mailing address:
10 Franklin Square
New Britain, CT 06051-2605

Get OCC directions >