AES Ohio’s last distribution rate review was filed in November 2020. Since that time, overall costs of materials and labor have increased, and we have made substantial investments in our distribution infrastructure, including those necessitated by several major storms. To maintain high-quality safe and reliable service, AES Ohio filed a distribution rate review on November 29, 2024, to recover these investments and cost increases from 2020 to 2024. The PUCO issued its order on November 5, 2025. The approval paves the way for the Company’s ongoing commitment to maintain and improve safety, reliability, and resiliency while expanding support for residential customers in need.  

 

PUCO approves AES Ohio’s Distribution Rate Review.

 

A copy of the filed approval is available on the PUCO docket under Case No. 24-1009-EL-AIR.

 

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Rate Case Process

When a utility company files an application for a rate increase with the PUCO, it must include the rationale for the requested increase. It must also propose the classes of customers that will pay for the increase. Utility companies define their customer base into classes, grouped by type of customer, such as residential, commercial and industrial. The application must state who will pay how much and why.

The rate case application initiates a process that must, by law, be completed within 275 days.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

In Ohio, a distribution rate case is a formal proceeding where a utility requests permission from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to increase the rates charged to customers for the delivery of electricity. The utility must show that the rate increase is necessary to cover costs for operating and maintaining the delivery system (poles and wires) and infrastructure investments. The PUCO then reviews the request and makes a decision to adjust the distribution rate on your bill. 

AES Ohio’s last distribution rate review was filed in November 2020 and approved by the PUCO on December 14, 2022. Since 2020, overall costs of materials and labor have increased and we have made substantial investments in our distribution infrastructure, including those necessitated by several major storms with confirmed tornadoes that caused significant damage to our electric infrastructure. To maintain high-quality safe and reliable service, AES Ohio filed a distribution rate case on November 29, 2024, to recover these investments and cost increases. On August 13, 2025, all parties reached an unopposed settlement. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) issued its order regarding the AES Ohio Distribution Rate Review Settlement on November 5, 2025.

As a result of the PUCO Order, a monthly bill for a residential Standard Service Offer (SSO) customer using 1,000 kWh will increase by approximately 9%. For comparison purposes, the increase is well below the Consumer Price Index for the same period of 2020 to 2024. 

AES Ohio offers financial assistance through the Gift of Power to residential customers who are unable to pay their electric bills and are facing disconnection. 

 

AES Ohio offers payment assistance to eligible customers. 

  • Gift of Power: Provides emergency relief funding to customers who are facing disconnection and cannot pay their electric bills. AES Ohio is contributing $1 million to support this vital program. 

 

AES Ohio offers three types of pay agreements to help residential customers: 

  • 1/9 pay agreement: We'll divide your past due balance in 9 equal payments and add that to our estimate of your next 9 bills to calculate 9 equal monthly payments.  
  • 1/6 pay agreement: We'll divide your past due balance over your next 6 bills and add it to your regular monthly payments.  
  • Winter heating plan: Available to AES Ohio customers for bills that include usage from November 1 through April 15. During this time, you may avoid disconnection by paying 1/3 of your balance due to AES Ohio each month.  

 

AES Ohio offers Budget Billing so customers can have a predictable energy bill. It evens out seasonal highs and lows, so customers pay the same amount each month. 

 

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) offers several programs to help Ohioans with their energy bills, including: 

  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Winter Crisis Program: Helps eligible Ohioans maintain utility service during the winter months. This program runs from November 1 to March 31 each year. To be eligible, you must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. You can apply for assistance by contacting your electric or natural gas utility. 
  • Special Reconnect Order: Helps income-eligible Ohioans keep their heating source. There is no income eligibility requirement to use this order, but customers who are at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines may apply for assistance through the HEAP Winter Crisis Program. You can contact your electric or natural gas utility between October 14, 2024, through April 18, 2025, to find out how to apply. 
  • Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): Helps income-eligible Ohioans manage their energy bills year-round. This program allows income-eligible Ohioans to pay their energy bill each month based on a percentage of their income.