What this means for customers

  • Predictable costs with planned distribution rates through 2029.

 

  • Continued reliability improvements to strengthen and modernize the electric grid. Reliability-focused investments include replacing aging or damaged poles, continued installation of smart reclosers to reduce outages and faster restoration.

 

  • Accountability to the community for utility spending and reliability. Our earnings will be tied to our ability to appropriately manage our costs and maintain/improve reliability.

 

  • Customer protections that ensure data centers will pay for their costs, under a new Data Center Tariff as recommended by the PUCO.

Transparency Throughout the Process

The proposal is now under review by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The review process includes:

  • Comprehensive audits
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Public hearings
  • Opportunities for customer feedback

 

AES Ohio is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the process and encourages customers to stay informed and participate.

Supporting our customers

AES Ohio continues to offer a variety of assistance programs including the Gift of Power for customers who have suffered recent financial hardship.  AES Ohio recently added $1 million to fund those efforts.  

Additionally, AES Ohio has a number of programs available to customers for bill assistance and to help manage their bill. Click the links below to find out more.   

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) offers several programs to help Ohioans with their energy bills. Click here for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A three-year rate review was authorized by HB 15 for an electric utility to request permission from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to establish its distribution rates based on three years of forecasted investments and expenses, which will be trued up to actual spend.  

During a rate review, the utility must demonstrate the revenue needed to provide reliable service, including to maintain and repair equipment.  

Any new rates must be approved by the PUCO. The rate review process must be completed within 360 days after the application is determined complete.  

Parties to the case can: 

  •     File objections to the report on the utility’s proposal prepared by the PUCO’s Staff 

  •     Submit written testimony 

  •     Participate in an evidentiary hearing 

  •     File an application for rehearing following the PUCO’s decision 

  •     Appeal the PUCO’s decision to the Supreme Court of Ohio 

Customers have an opportunity to provide feedback by: 

  • Participating in local public hearings  

  • Providing online feedback on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio website 

  • Mailing the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio 

AES Ohio is complying with a new state law (HB15) that streamlines regulatory processes and enables strategic investment in grid infrastructure and resiliency and allows utilities to better serve customers.  

  • The company is committed to regular reviews and audits with oversight by the PUCO to ensure accountability and fairness in rates. 

  • The proposed rates are based on the necessary investments AES Ohio must make to strengthen and modernize the grid, continue to implement the next generation of smart technologies and deliver customer value. 

During a rate case, the PUCO: 

  • Investigates: The PUCO staff inspects infrastructure, reviews financial and plant records, and assesses customer service. 

  • Schedules hearings: The PUCO schedules hearings, including local public hearings.  

An unopposed Settlement means the parties involved in addition to the PUCO Staff in the Three-Year Rate Plan proceeding are not contesting the agreement. The settlement reflects constructive collaboration and provides a balanced path forward for proposed distribution rates in 2027, 2028 and 2029 while supporting continued investments in reliability, resiliency, grid modernization, and customer programs. The agreement still must be reviewed and approved by the PUCO before any rates take effect. 

Earlier this year, the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 15, a new energy law that changes how electric distribution rates are set. Under this law, utilities like AES Ohio may propose rates three years in advance, making changes easier to understand. To comply, AES Ohio has filed a Three-Year Rate Review with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio proposing future distribution rates for 2027, 2028, and 2029.

AES Ohio’s recent rate plans and requests are driven by the need to invest in advanced technologies, grid improvements, and enhanced customer support programs. Over the past five years, AES Ohio has made significant investments in smart meters, distribution automation, and infrastructure upgrades to improve efficiency and reduce outage durations. These investments are necessary to maintain reliable service while responding to increasing demand and evolving regulatory requirements. Additionally, the change in energy legislation requires utilities to file for a review every three years as well as annual audits to ensure transparency and accountability.

AES Ohio remains dedicated to controlling costs and minimizing rate increases wherever possible. The company has historically offered the lowest rates among Ohio's investor-owned utilities, and this Settlement will keep AES Ohio’s rates in line with its Ohio peers. AES Ohio invests responsibly in grid modernization and efficiency improvements to keep operational costs down. The company also provides a suite of customer-focused programs, such as Budget Billing, flexible payment agreements, and emergency relief funding through the "Gift of Power" program. These initiatives help customers manage their bills and provide direct support to those facing financial hardship.