Will Ohio Electric Rates Rise?
Ohio customers see some of the highest energy bills in the country, and yet electricity rates may rise even higher next year. That means your bills could spike even more than usual. But how much could bills rise if these rate increases go through and is there anything you can do about it? Time is running out, so let’s see how Ohio electric customers can fight to keep rates low.
The AEP Ohio Rate Increase
Back in May, AEP Ohio filed to raise distribution charges starting April 2026. Obviously, no one likes higher prices, but the utility explains that this rate is important for maintaining the grid. This includes replacing equipment (poles, wires, and transformers), adding outage protection, and better weather response.
The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) estimates that an average AEP Ohio customer using 1000 kWh per month will pay nearly $4 more on their monthly bill. That adds up to nearly $50 more a year! And because this is a distribution charge, all AEP Ohio customers will have to pay it.
Unfortunately, you can’t avoid this hike by shopping for better rates from Ohio energy companies. However, you still have time to act before these rates go into effect.
Ohio Customers Speak Against High Rates
The rate cases have to go before PUCO before they can go into effect. Part of this process includes public hearings where you can speak out against the rate increase at these public hearings.
- Dec. 5: 6 p.m. at Washington State College Arts & Sciences Building, Room 227 at 710 Colegate Dr. in Marietta.
- Dec. 8: 6 p.m. at Owens Community College Community Education and Wellness Center Building, Room CH 100 at 3200 Bright Road in Findlay.
- Dec. 9: 11 a.m. Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, 11th Floor – Hearing Room B at 180 E. Broad St, in Columbus.
If you can’t make these hearings, then you can and should post comments at the PUCO website. If you take part, then your comments will go into the record as evidence for evidentiary hearings that could start in January.
Refunds For AES Ohio Customers
In a similar development, the OCC has won its appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court that AES Ohio overcharged customers $61 million dollars between 2018-2019. Factoring in interest, the OCC has demanded that PUCO force AES Ohio to refund $82.6 million to consumers. AES Ohio, however, is offering to repay only $1.6 million, a mere fraction of what they owe.
It’s unclear how PUCO will respond to the offer, but it will be considered as part of an analysis. We’ll report on this story as it develops.
Shop For Best Electricity Rate Savings
With winter here and energy prices increasing, rate hikes will affect all Ohioans. However, in most cases, you could offset the increase if you shop for and lock in the best energy deals in town.
You can start shopping right here at https://www.ohenergyratings.com. You can also drop by for news and tips that could affect your bills.