What does the Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) do?
The Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) was created by State law in 1975. We’re an independent State agency that speaks up for consumers who use energy, water, and telecommunications services. We make sure customers get fair prices, good and reliable service, and a clean environment. We also help all Connecticut residents enjoy fast, dependable internet. Please note: we speak up for all Connecticut customers. We can’t, however, represent people individually.
Finally, we make sure consumers have a voice in important public utility decisions handled by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
Public utilities include:
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- Water
- Telecommunications
Why utilities are regulated
Electricity, gas, and water service companies in Connecticut operate as monopolies. With the exception of third-party electric suppliers, consumers can’t pick a different service provider. Also, new companies can’t provide service to areas already served by the monopoly. Because people rely on these critical services every day, PURA oversees monopoly utility companies serving large areas of the State (not local utilities) so that they charge fair prices and deliver quality services.
Speaking up for consumers
Since 1975, State law has given the OCC the job of standing up for Connecticut consumers in anything involving public service companies. Areas include:
- Utility rates (how much you pay)
- Changes in utility ownership
- Service quality (how well they do their job)
- Financial reviews
- Telecommunications oversight
- New utility services
- New rules for utility companies
- Complaints from customers
These issues can affect almost every person in the State and involve a lot of money. To help, we are part of all important cases decided by PURA.
Helping with laws
We give advice on new laws about public utilities. This helps lawmakers in the Connecticut General Assembly make rules that protect consumers.
We also go to court if necessary to protect consumer interests. OCC works with and appears before State, Regional, and Federal agencies to advocate for affordable, reliable, and easily accessible utility services.
Changing times, same mission
As rules change at the Federal, Regional, or State level, we continue to stand up for Connecticut's utility consumers.
Want to learn more?
Contact us if you want more information about what we do.
Phone: 860-827-2900
Fax: 860-827-2929
Email: occ.info@ct.gov