Dayton Power Update: Navigating the Possible AES Ohio Rate Increase This June

Starting June 1, 2026, AES Ohio (formerly Dayton Power & Light) will likely increase its standard offer electricity rates.
For many in the Miami Valley, this means it is time to take a closer look at how you consume power and what you pay for it. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming rate hike and how to keep your budget intact.

The Numbers: What’s Changing?

Beginning in June 2026, the Price to Compare (PTC)—which is the rate you pay for electricity supply if you don’t choose a third-party provider—is expected to increase.

• Current Rate (through May 31, 2026): ~9.45¢ per kWh
• New Rate (Starting June 1, 2026): While the exact final decimal can fluctuate based on the most recent auctions, AES Ohio proposed an increase of 15% to $0.1085600 per kWh for the period June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027.

For a typical household using 1,000 kWh per month, this translates to an extra $10-15 on your monthly bill just for the supply portion of the service.

Why Are AES Ohio Electricity Rates Going Up?

Several macroeconomic and regional factors are driving this shift:

1. Infrastructure Investment: AES Ohio and regional grid operators are spending more on “wires and pipes”—replacing aging poles and transformers to improve reliability against extreme weather.
2. Capacity Auction Results: The PJM Interconnection (the regional grid that includes Ohio) saw record-high prices in recent capacity auctions. This is largely due to the retirement of older power plants and the massive surge in electricity demand from new data centers in the region.
3. Natural Gas Costs: Natural gas remains a primary fuel for electricity generation in Ohio, and its price volatility directly impacts your “standard offer” rate.

How to Take Control of Your AES Ohio Electricity Bill

The good news? You aren’t stuck with the standard offer. Because Ohio is an Energy Choice state, you have several tools at your disposal to lower your costs.

1. Shop for a Retail Provider

• You can switch to a competitive retail supplier that may offer a lower fixed rate than the utility’s PTC. By locking in a 12- or 24-month fixed-rate plan, you can protect yourself from further PTC increases. Apples to Apples Ohio is the state-operated website for comparing offers, but navigating numerous plans and determining the best supplier for your specific needs can feel overwhelming.
• ElectricityRates.com offers a secure, fast, and simple process to streamline your rate-comparison experience. We present you with only the best rates from top-rated and trusted electricity suppliers serving Ohio, saving you time and effort in your search for the ideal plan.

2. Community Aggregation

Check if your city or township has an aggregation program. Communities like Kettering, Beavercreek, and others often negotiate “bulk” rates for all residents. These rates are frequently lower than the AES Ohio standard offer and offer the stability of a fixed price. If you are in an aggregation program, you are enrolled automatically unless you “opt-out.”

3. Utility Assistance Programs

If the rate increase creates a financial hardship, there are state-mandated programs to help:

• PIPP Plus: Allows income-eligible customers to pay a consistent percentage of their income toward their bill.
• HEAP: The Home Energy Assistance Program provides a once-yearly credit to your bill during the winter or summer months.
• Gift of Power: AES Ohio partners with the Salvation Army to provide emergency relief for customers facing temporary hardships who may not qualify for government aid.

4. Energy Efficiency Programs

The cheapest kilowatt-hour is the one you never use.

• Home Weatherization (HWAP): Income-qualified residents can receive free attic insulation, air sealing, and furnace “tune-ups” to reduce waste.
• Smart Thermostats: Consider installing a programmable thermostat to reduce cooling costs during peak June afternoon heat.

The Bottom Line While the June 2026 rate increase is a hurdle, it’s also a reminder to be an active energy consumer. Take 15 minutes this week to look at your bill, find your current “Price to Compare,” and see if a better deal is waiting for you on the open market.