{"id":5308,"date":"2025-10-09T06:53:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-09T11:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ohenergyratings.com\/blog\/?p=5308"},"modified":"2025-10-06T12:53:53","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T17:53:53","slug":"puco-issues-2025-special-reconnect-order","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ohenergyratings.com\/blog\/puco-issues-2025-special-reconnect-order\/","title":{"rendered":"PUCO Issues 2025 Special Reconnect Order"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

PUCO Order Helps Ohio This Winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
With Ohiio families facing a difficult winter heating season, find out how the PUCO special reconnection order may help you keep your heating bills manageable.<\/em><\/center><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The winter season is never easy in Ohio. Cold temperatures and high electricity rates<\/a> can lead to families falling behind and losing their power. Thankfully, PUCO has issued a special reconnect order for the 2025 winter season. However, low income families may need to plan ahead. Certain energy programs may be on the chopping block. Let’s talk about why the PUCO reconnect order is important and how you can prepare for this winter season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Details On PUCO Order<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On September 18, PUCO issued a notice about the 2025 reconnect order<\/a>. The order helps families keep the heat on from Oct 13 through April 15, 2026. Customers of any regulated electric or gas utility can benefit from this program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the PUCO order utility rules<\/a>, customers would pay no more than $175 to restore service plus no more than $36 in reconnection charges to get the lights back on. Ohio utilities that charge more for reconnecting must add the remaining balance to the next monthly bill<\/a>.\u00a0The order runs between October 13 – April 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone who needs to can take advantage of this special order<\/a> because it has no income requirement. Customers who are at or below 175% of federal income guidelines may apply for HEAP assistance<\/a> to pay the $175 upfront amount. Your utility can also help you with any unpaid balance after the initial $175 fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Shop Cheaper Electricity Now!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While this is great news for Ohio families, it may not be enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, utilities are investing more money into distribution, natural gas prices are rising, and data centers<\/a> demand massive amounts of power. As a result, reports suggest that winter bills may rise by 10.2%<\/a> this winter. On top of that, NOAA forecasts suggest a high chance of a La Nina winter<\/a>. This would bring much colder weather to Ohio, leading to more heating demand and higher costs. Finally, let’s not forget that the Trump budget may eliminate funding for LIHEAP<\/a> entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, you should shop for the best deals while you can. That’s especially important now because rates tend to be lower during the fall shoulder month<\/a> season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weatherize Your Ohio Home<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can also save energy<\/a> and cut costs with these simple winter projects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n