Duke Energy Wants to Raise Your Electric Bill
Duke Energy Ohio is asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to increase electric distribution charges paid by residential consumers.
Under Duke’s proposal, a typical consumer’s bill would increase by about $8.32 per month. Consumers would also continue paying additional PUCO-approved infrastructure investment charges already appearing on bills. If approved, Duke’s proposed distribution rate increase would take effect in 2027.
More Increases on Top of Recent Higher Costs
At the same time, the standard offer price for electricity supply has increased as capacity costs have reached some of their highest levels in recent years, putting additional pressure on household budgets.
For many Ohio families already struggling with higher costs for groceries, housing, gasoline, and healthcare, rising electric bills are becoming increasingly difficult to afford.
What Part of Your Bill Would Increase?
Duke’s proposal affects the distribution (delivery) portion of your electric bill — the charge you pay to maintain poles, wires, and the local electric system, regardless of who supplies your electricity.
Other charges on your electric bill include:
- Electric supply charges – the cost of electricity you use
- Transmission charges – the cost to move electricity over high-voltage power lines
OCC is Already on the Case
The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC)—the state agency representing residential utility consumers—has formally intervened to represent Duke’s approximately 500,000 residential customers in this case.
OCC attorneys, economists, accountants, and utility experts are reviewing Duke’s proposal and will present evidence to protect affordability and ensure consumers pay no more than necessary.
OCC will urge the PUCO to carefully consider the affordability impact of higher electric bills on Southwest Ohio consumers.
Want to Know More?
OCC’s Motion to Intervene: https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/DocumentRecord.aspx?DocID=da3f040e-70e6-488f-bdce-3332bbcef7b9
PUCO Case Docket: https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?CaseNo=26-0132-EL-AIR
Questions?
This Consumer Alert will be updated as hearings and major case developments occur.
Contact your consumer advocate, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel: 1-877-742-5622 or occ@occ.ohio.gov.
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