DUKE ENERGY WANTS TO INCREASE YOUR ELECTRIC BILL AGAIN

See below for ways you can let the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) know your concerns about Duke Energy’s new proposal to increase your electric bill. The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the state’s designated advocate for residential utility consumers, opposes the increase.

Duke has submitted a three-year wish-list to the PUCO that will increase bills to consumers $11.27 per month by the end of 2028. A typical residential consumer using 1,000 kWh per month could see their bill increase by about $135 a year by 2028.

Their plan contains new add on charges (rider proposals). Duke’s proposal has riders for vegetation management, economic competitiveness, capital investment, solar power charges, decoupling charges, utility-run energy efficiency programs, infrastructure modernization, electric vehicle charging stations, and more. These add on charges are in addition to the overall 6.5 percent increase. OCC will be reviewing all these potential charges to assess their impact on consumers and to ensure that Duke consumers are charged no more than is needed for the delivery of a safe and reliable supply of electricity.

This proposed rate hike comes courtesy of Duke’s electric security plan. Since utility-friendly legislation passed in 2008, these types of rate increases have become a common tool for Ohio’s electric companies to collect more money from consumers outside of a standard rate case proceeding. These types of rate plans provide more “security” for utilities than consumers. OCC supports Ohio Senate Bill 143 to eliminate such electric security plans.

OCC is actively engaged in this case. We’re bringing a team of experts to the table dedicated to uncovering the facts behind Duke’s proposal. We will be advocating for just and reasonable rates for Duke’s residential utility consumers. 

You can get involved and make your voice heard at the PUCO!

Make Your Voice Heard at the PUCO

Speak In-Person: Two local public hearings will be held as follows: 

Middletown
6 p.m. Sept. 4, 2024
MidPointe Library 
125 S. Broad St. 
Directions: https://bit.ly/MidPointe-Library-Directions

Downtown Cincinnati
6 p.m. Sept. 10, 2024
Cincinnati City Hall, Council Chambers 
801 Plum St., Room 300 
Directions: https://bit.ly/Cincy-City-Hall-Directions

At a local public hearing, consumers can share their views face-to-face with at least one of the five PUCO commissioners. Those that testify will have their comments included as evidence in the case record that the PUCO must consider in ruling upon a utility’s request. 

The public may also attend the evidentiary hearing scheduled in October at the PUCO Offices in Columbus:

Downtown Columbus
10 a.m. Oct. 22, 2024
180 E. Broad St., Hearing Room 11-A 
Directions: https://bit.ly/puco-columbus-directions 

Comment Online: Click on “File a Public Comment” at https://bit.ly/duke-esp-24

Send Mail: Send a letter referencing FirstEnergy and PUCO Case 24-278 to:

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
180 E. Broad St., 11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Click for OCC tips on how to speak at local public hearings: http://bit.ly/how-to-testify.

Want to Know More?

OCC’s Motion to Intervene on behalf of FirstEnergy consumers is available at this link: https://bit.ly/occ-mti-duke-esp-24. 

Here is a link to the PUCO docket with all the filings in the case: https://bit.ly/occ-mti-duke-esp-24.

Questions?

Call or e-mail your advocate, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, at 1-877-742-5622 or occ@occ.ohio.gov.