1 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REGULATORY UTILITY COMMISSIONERS REGULATORY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM Partnership between: PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF OHIO (PUCO) AND MINISTRY OF ENERGY OF GHANA (MOE) AND ENERGY COMMISSION OF GHANA (EC) AND PUBLIC UTILITIES REGULATORY COMMISSION OF GHANA (PURC) Sponsored by: UNITED STATE AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID) SEPTEMBER 8-12, 2008 ACCRA, GHANA

2 PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION Topic specific workshops are conducted (for example SB 221 topics) by either the commission, Commission staff or by stakeholders to inform the Commission Forums on energy issues are coordinated with the Governors’ office Public statements are embeded in Commission discussions which are held on a weekly basis

3 Both the PUCO and the OPSB have a website where consumers can find links to cases (current and resolved). These websites are also available at library computer centers Energy bills (mail) do contain the PUCO “hot line “ number for customer complaints OPSB applications are placed in every Library of the affected jurisdiction

4 Public access to information is available through record request in person at the Commission or through a public records request Utility filings are public records as are documents produced by the Commission staff unless a utility filled information under seal (proprietary technology or othe trade secrets)

5 Public speaking events Attending trade shows and exhibitions – at each event, the PUCO or the OPSB has a booth stocked with educational materials (brochures, news letters created by the staff of the public relations office) Representatives are available at these events to answer questions from consumers The outreach is state wide and also includes ambassadorship for the region and the nation as well as international

6 The PUCO Public Affairs office is the contact point for ANY event that would like to have the PUCO to attend The legislative office provides a quarterly column regarding utility issues to legislators and their districts