Julie Ghizzoni

I am writing in opposition to HB 610. As an independent third-party advocacy group, the OCA provides vital nonpartisan protection of consumer interests. Such groups bridge divides across party lines and provide support to ratepayers regardless of the political climate of the state. Critical services that ratepayers need to live safely should not be vulnerable to government interests and political motivations, especially in these volatile and dangerously unpredictable times. An independent office solely dedicated to consumer interests provides us with a reliable and accessible source of protection, information, education, and a platform to amplify the public ratepayer voice. For example, one service the OCA provides is to encourage and spread public awareness of consumer assistance programs (such as Lifeline Telephone Assistance). Additionally, the OCA screens for any policy or legislation that is not in line with state or regional laws, and holds powers accountable to the best interests of ratepayers - a service which may not survive the transfer of OCA’s function into the Department of Energy. As a consumer of NH utility services that are not optional if I am to live within acceptable levels of safety, health, and comfort; I deserve to have an independent and expertly-guided group to defend my interests and to defend the integrity of the services my paycheck goes to. The Advisory Board created to mediate and screen policies affecting the OCA has unanimously voted against HB 610, and I urge you to do so as well. Respectfully, Julie Ghizzoni