Local Public Hearings begin next week on AEP Ohio’s request to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to raise electric distribution rates for 1.3 million residential customers. If approved, the typical household would see an increase of roughly $4 per month—about $50 per year. This proposal follows a 36% rise in the Standard Service Offer price earlier this summer. These hearings are an excellent opportunity for consumers to share their views on the proposal directly with the PUCO.

The rate request affects the “delivery” portion of consumers’ electric bills—the monopoly charges all customers pay regardless of their electricity supplier. Other components of electricity bills include transmission and generation (supply) charges.

Make Your Voice Heard at PUCO Public Hearings:

OCC encourages consumers to get involved in the PUCO’s decision-making process. Consumer testimony and comments become part of the case record and must be considered by commissioners.

The most effective way for consumers to make their concerns known is by speaking in person at a Local Public Hearing. These hearings allow consumers to share their views face-to-face with at least one of the five PUCO commissioners. OCC has also asked PUCO to hold a virtual public hearing, but that request has not been granted.

Public Hearing Schedule

• Zanesville
  • 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3
    Zanesville City Council Chambers
    401 Market St., Zanesville
• Columbus
  • 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 4
    Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Library Auditorium
    96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus
• Marietta
  • 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5
    Washington State College – Arts & Sciences Building, Room 227
    710 Colgate Drive, Marietta
• Findlay
  • 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 8
    Owens Community College – Community Education & Wellness Center, Room CH 100
    3200 Bright Road, Findlay
• Columbus
  • 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9
    Public Utilities Commission of Ohio – Hearing Room 11-B
    180 E. Broad St., Columbus

See OCC’s tips for speaking at hearings here: https://bit.ly/occ-make-your-voice-heard
To submit a public comment directly to the PUCO visit:
https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/PublicCommentEfiling.aspx?CaseNo=25-0392

To send a letter:

Reference AEP and PUCO Case 25-0392-EL-AIR and mail to:
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
180 E. Broad St., 11th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Learn More About the Case

• OCC Consumer Alert: https://www.occ.ohio.gov/factsheet/aep-ohio-rate-increase-25-0392-el-air 
• PUCO Docket With All Filings:
  https://bit.ly/aep-rate-case-25

Questions?
Consumers with questions can contact the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel at 1-877-742-5622 or occ@occ.ohio.gov.