Your Duke Energy Bill is Going Up: What Ohio Residents Need to Know

How Much Are Rates and Bills Increasing?

The “Price to Compare” (PTC), which is the rate you pay for the generation portion of your electricity if you don’t choose an alternative supplier, is set to rise significantly. For residential customers, the PTC will jump from approximately 8.02 cents per kWh (as of April 2025) to 10.445 cents per kWh starting June 1, 2025. This represents a steep increase of around 30%.

What does this mean for your monthly bill? With an average Ohio home using about 811 kWh of energy per month, the supply charge alone could surge from approximately $65 to nearly $85 – an estimated $20 increase on the supply portion of your bill. When considering your total bill, including delivery charges and other riders, an average residential customer using 1,000 kWh could see an increase of around $8 per month, or about $96 annually, according to Duke Energy estimates. Some sources predict a 10-15% increase in overall residential bills for June 2025 – May 2026.

Why Is Duke Energy Raising Rates?

Several factors are collectively contributing to the increase in electricity rates for Duke Energy Ohio customers. A significant driver behind this rate hike is the surge in capacity costs. These are essential charges that ensure there’s enough power generation available to meet future demand, especially during peak usage. The results of the PJM Interconnection’s 2024 capacity auction, which will impact prices starting in June 2025, indicated a substantial increase in the cost of securing this vital future power supply.

Beyond capacity, Duke Energy is also undertaking crucial infrastructure modernization efforts. These investments are designed to upgrade the electrical grid, aiming to boost reliability, minimize outages, shorten response times, and prepare for evolving energy demands. New distribution fees and “riders,” such as the Infrastructure Modernization Rider, are being added to customer bills to cover these necessary costs.

Furthermore, the evolving energy landscape in Ohio, including the retirement of some power plants that historically supplied electricity to the region, necessitates sourcing power from alternative means, which can also influence overall costs. This is compounded by an increased demand for reliable electricity, which naturally drives the need for more robust infrastructure and associated investments. Lastly, while Duke Energy doesn’t profit from them, fuel costs are passed directly to consumers, and fluctuations in these prices can also contribute to higher monthly bills.

How Residents Can Better Control Energy Usage and Costs

Facing higher electricity bills can be daunting, but there are many strategies you can employ to mitigate the impact:

1. Optimize Your Thermostat Settings:
When the summer heat hits, set your air conditioning to the highest comfortable temperature, ideally 78°F or higher, as each degree cooler significantly increases energy consumption. Conversely, during winter, aim to keep your heating at the lowest comfortable setting, around 68°F or lower. For added efficiency year-round, consider using a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when you are away from home or sleeping.

2. Improve Home Insulation and Sealing:
Seal up those sneaky drafts by caulking and weather-stripping around windows, doors, and any other openings where air can escape or sneak in. Also, make sure your home is properly insulated; adequate insulation in your attic, walls, and crawl spaces is key to preventing heat from escaping in the winter and seeping in during the summer.

3. Embrace Energy-Efficient Lighting:
Switching to LED light bulbs is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your energy consumption, as they use significantly less electricity and boast a much longer lifespan than traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs. Complementing this, simply making a habit of turning off lights when you leave a room, even for a brief period, contributes to immediate energy savings.

4. Be Mindful of Appliance Usage:
You can significantly reduce your energy consumption by unplugging “vampire” electronics like chargers, TVs, and computers when they’re not in use; these devices draw power even when turned off. Maximize efficiency by running dishwashers and washing machines only when they’re completely full and opting for cold water cycles when doing laundry. Additionally, choose to air dry dishes and clothes instead of relying on energy-intensive drying cycles. Finally, ensure your refrigerator and freezer doors seal tightly, keep them adequately stocked, and allow hot dishes to cool before storing them to boost their efficiency.

5. Regular HVAC Maintenance:
You can significantly lower your energy consumption by maintaining your HVAC system and making smart appliance choices. For instance, clean or replace your HVAC filters every one to three months to ensure optimal efficiency, and schedule annual professional tune-ups to keep your system in top condition. In warmer months, utilize ceiling fans to create a cooling breeze, allowing you to comfortably raise your thermostat setting; just remember to turn them off when you leave the room. Finally, when it’s time to replace old appliances, consider ENERGY STAR certified models, as they are designed to use less energy.

Financial Relief: Understanding Your Energy Assistance Options

Facing higher electricity bills can be a significant challenge for any household. If you’re a Duke Energy Ohio customer struggling to pay your bill, there are several important options and resources available to help. It’s crucial to act quickly and communicate with Duke Energy or relevant assistance agencies. Here are the main options for Duke Energy Ohio customers who can’t afford to pay their bill:

Programs Directly Through Duke Energy Ohio

• Payment Arrangements / Installment Plans: Installment plans and due date extensions are options for customers who need to break up their outstanding bill amount or need a bit more time to pay. This will ensure your electricity will not be turned off.
• Budget Billing: This program averages your annual energy usage into a set monthly payment, helping to avoid high bill spikes during peak heating or cooling seasons. While your account typically needs to be current to enroll, it can be a good proactive tool.
• Customer Assistance Program (CAP): This program provides a flat monthly credit (up to $42) for 12 months to qualifying customers. To be eligible for CAP, you generally need to be approved for other income-based state assistance programs like LIEAP or CIP (see below).
• Share the Light Fund: This fund is supported by Duke Energy, its customers, and employees, and provides one-time assistance to eligible customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills. Eligibility is based on need and doesn’t always follow strict government assistance guidelines. In Ohio, The Salvation Army often administers this fund for Duke Energy. You can inquire by calling The Salvation Army at 513.762.5636.

State and Federal Assistance Programs

Ohio offers several significant energy assistance programs that Duke Energy customers may qualify for, especially low-income households. These are typically administered through local Community Action Agencies (CAAs). You can often find your local CAA by calling 211 or visiting www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/HEAP): This federal program provides a one-time benefit directly applied to your utility (electric, natural gas, or bulk fuel) bill during the heating season.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): This is a year-round program that allows qualifying customers to pay a percentage of their income towards their energy bills, regardless of monthly usage. If you make your PIPP Plus payments on time and in full, some of your past debt may be forgiven. You must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines to be eligible.
• Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP): This program helps income-eligible Ohioans improve their home’s energy efficiency and reduce energy costs through services like duct sealing, insulation, and sometimes even HVAC replacement. This can lead to long-term savings.
• Ohio Fuel Fund: Administered by community action agencies, this fund provides assistance to eligible low- to moderate-income customers who have made a good faith payment on their electric/natural gas bill within the past 90 days.

It can be overwhelming to navigate these options, but help is available. Taking proactive steps and reaching out to the right resources can make a significant difference in managing your energy costs.

Ways to Compare Rates and Secure a Fixed-Rate Plan

Ohio consumers have several avenues available to explore competitive electricity rates and potentially lock in a fixed-rate plan to avoid Dukes’s Price to Compare fluctuations:

1. Explore the Apples to Apples Website: The Apples to Apples Ohio website operated by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission offers a comprehensive marketplace with potentially hundreds of competing energy offers. While this provides a wide array of choices, navigating through numerous plans and determining the best supplier for your specific needs can sometimes feel overwhelming.
2. Simplify Your Search with ElectricityRates.com: ElectricityRates.com offers a secure, fast, and simple process designed 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.
3. Shop Directly Through Supplier Websites: You also have the option to visit individual energy suppliers’ websites. However, keep in mind that you will only see the plans offered by that specific supplier, requiring you to visit multiple websites to get a broader view of the competitive landscape.

Given the impending increase in Duke Energy Ohio electricity rates, primarily driven by surging capacity costs and infrastructure investments, proactive measures are essential for residents. By implementing energy-saving strategies at home and exploring the numerous financial assistance programs available, you can mitigate the impact on your budget. Furthermore, Ohio’s energy choice program empowers you to compare and potentially switch electricity suppliers, offering a pathway to more competitive rates and greater control over your energy expenses.