Ohio electric bills set to rise starting June 1

OHIO — Electric customers in Ohio will see a noticeable increase in their monthly bills beginning June 1, as higher generation costs drive up prices.

The average residential customer is expected to pay about $27 more each month, according to the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council.

The increase stems from a roughly two-cent rise per kilowatt hour (kWh), brought on by growing energy demand and limited supply.

AEP Ohio, which delivers electricity to customers but does not generate it, said demand from data centers and other large users is outpacing available power generation, leading to higher costs.

Electricity prices in the region are set through an auction by PJM Interconnection, the organization responsible for managing the regional power grid.

The most recent auction, which sets prices from June 2025 to May 2026, resulted in an 800% spike in capacity prices.

For a typical household using 900 kWh per month, the average bill will rise from about $144 to $162.

Customers still have options. Ohioans can shop for alternative energy providers in hopes of securing a lower rate.

They can also cut energy use by installing smart thermostats, improving insulation, or switching to renewable energy sources like solar power.

Scheduling an energy audit may also help identify ways to reduce consumption.

For those needing financial assistance, AEP Ohio offers income-based programs. Customers can call 1-800-672-2231 for more information.

The upcoming rate hike will impact customers across the PJM region, including parts of Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois, where similar increases of two to four cents per kWh are expected.