Huber Ridge Area

Dear Neighbors,

By now you have seen the news releases.  We are getting gouged by this water company.  The PUCO is useless.  The OCC was no help either.  Our governor did nothing.  I guess the real question is - what should we do?  Any ideas - other than move?  One thing we can do - everybody should try to seriously reduce our water usage for December, January, and February so we will save money on our sewer rates in the summer.  This is the so-called summer/winter rate thing that they don't advertise.  (They might lose some money and we might save some.)

Pam Clegg

We need an elected PUCO - not one appointed for life.  They have complete immunity and answer to no one. Write your governor and legislature that this needs to be changed.

Also, an outdated law on the books makes us, the consumer,  responsible for the water company application fee and legal fees incurred to fight the increase, $500,000 on this case alone.

Swamp the governor with letters.  Write to Jim McGregor who can forward to his replacement Nancy Garland.

The legislature needs to be made aware of this issue and that we want some answers.

When it comes to getting something done we all know the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Letters to the editor, Columbus Dispatch, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cincinnati Inquirer would certainly help. 

Along with conserving water in the winter,  in the summer install rain barrels to catch water runoff so rain water can be used to water the landscaping. 

The PUCO said this company is entitled to 10% earnings - the PUCO is out of touch with economics and market forces at work in this country. I am sure other companies in this country would like to have a guardian angel like the PUCO that would guarantee them  any earnings at all.

What you have written is good and makes sense.  Thank you.  Now, how many will write and squeak (again) remains to be seen.

Honestly, I was so discouraged about this decision because I wrote to our governor, Jim McGregor, Pat Tiberi, trustees, and the PUCO; spoke to Lin Rice, ThisWeek news reporter - he did a story - the Dispatch did a story; we circulated lots of petitions; many spoke at the public forum - I mean, what more could I and others have done?  Is that not a squeaky wheel or two?  Please understand, my frustration is not directed toward you.

You indicated that we should write and say we want answers.  We can say that all we want.  Look at the answer we got this time!  The PUCO mocked us with their power because they chose to do nothing for us and all for OAW.  Elected officials can and do just push us aside - until we go away.  It is as if they plan to wear people down so they will no longer take the time.  How unjust it is!

And we did swamp the governor with letters.  With respect I say this - he was just too busy campaigning to bother with us.  Maybe he feels it is not his job.  I do not know.

Enough said.  Thanks very much for responding.

Pam Clegg

When I am wrong, I need to admit it.  I was wrong about the water company - they DID tell us about the summer/winter rates on our November 13 bill in the message section. Thank you, OAW.  To my knowledge, they were not even required to tell us.

They wrote it as a reminder - "December, January, and February actual usages will establish your summer usage rate next year."

By the way, our bill was $93.81 for 8 CCF.  There are five in the home and our usage was up this month; however, do the math with the new rates and ouch.

Pam