Office of Consumer Counsel
| Company type | Autonomous state agency |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public utility consumer advocacy |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Headquarters | New Britain , United States |
Area served | Connecticut |
Key people | Claire E. Coleman (Consumer Counsel) |
Number of employees | 14 (2022) |
The Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) is an autonomous agency within the state of Connecticut, headquartered in New Britain, Connecticut. Founded in 1975 pursuant to Connecticut Public Act 75-486, its mission is to represent the interests of utility ratepayers. The OCC advocates on behalf of consumers utilizing electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications services by engaging in advocacy efforts and providing consumer education.
Scope of work
Under the authority granted by Connecticut General Statutes section 16-2a, the OCC actively participates in proceedings that affect public utility customers through administrative bodies, courts, or other venues. Its core function involves representing consumer interests before the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), which oversees the regulation of public utility rates and services. Additionally, the OCC engages with the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) when matters concern electric utility ratepayers. The agency also pursues appeals of PURA or CSC rulings in judicial settings to advocate for consumer-friendly results. Frequently, its stances are consistent with those of other state entities like the Connecticut Attorney General's Office as well as nonprofit organizations such as the Connecticut Industrial Energy Consumers (CIEC) and AARP.
Membership & Affiliations
On a national scale, the OCC advocates for Connecticut utility consumers through its membership in the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA), which comprises 44 consumer advocacy offices from 40 states. Within Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) proceedings, the OCC monitors issues related to electric grid reliability, negotiates Reliability Must Run (RMR) agreements, and provides expert testimony regarding market structures, electricity pricing, transmission projects, and associated regulatory policies. As a participant in the New England Power Pool (NEPOOL), the OCC represents Connecticut electricity consumers both regionally and nationally.
At the state level, OCC holds seats on various boards including the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board (CEAB), Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board (EEB), Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC), and Connecticut Low-Income Energy Advisory Board (LIEAB). Each year during legislative sessions, OCC engages with lawmakers on proposed bills, collaborates with allied organizations, and offers testimony. Due to its specialized knowledge in utility ratepayer matters, OCC is frequently consulted by state legislators and members of the General Assembly’s Energy and Technology Committee on energy policy implications, often providing both written submissions and oral presentations.
Staff resources
The OCC's team consists of attorneys, accountants, financial analysts, and administrative personnel. As of 2022, the agency comprises 14 staff positions. To bolster its advocacy initiatives, the Consumer Counsel may also retain expert witnesses. Funding for both OCC and PURA operations is derived from fees paid by customers of regulated public utilities in Connecticut, including qualifying telephone companies, competitive electric suppliers, and video service providers operating within the state.
Consumer Counsel
The Consumer Counsel is appointed by Connecticut’s Governor and must be confirmed by the state legislature for a term lasting five years. Currently serving in this role is Claire E. Coleman, who was appointed by Governor Lamont and confirmed in February 2022.
Ms. Coleman earned degrees from Cornell University and Northwestern University School of Law. Her professional experience includes serving as an energy attorney at Save the Sound; acting as counsel to the U.S. House Oversight Committee during investigations into corporate conduct and government programs; practicing litigation at Wiggin and Dana LLP as well as Sullivan and Cromwell LLP; and clerking for U.S. District Judge Ellen Bree Burns.
Prior to joining OCC, Coleman held the position of Undersecretary for Legal Affairs at Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management where she provided guidance on budgetary matters and public policy. She received recognition as a Municipal Champion for her leadership throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Coleman initially assumed duties as Interim Consumer Counsel in December 2021 before her official confirmation.
| Consumer Counsels | Years of Service |
|---|---|
| Claire E. Coleman | 2021–Present |
| Richard E. Sobolewski (Acting) | 2019–2021 |
| Elin Swanson Katz | 2011–2019 |
| Mary J. Healey | 2001–2011 |
| Guy R. Mazza | 1997–2001 |
| John F. Merchant | 1992–1996 |
| Eugene M. Koss | 1990–1991 |
| James F. Meehan | 1986–1989 |
| Barry S. Zitser | 1978–1985 |
| David Silverstone | 1975–1977 |