Duke Energy Ohio Rate Increase: What Customers Need to Know for June 2026

Duke Energy Ohio customers will see a higher default electricity supply rate beginning June 1, 2026.

Duke Energy serves the southwest corner of Ohio, providing electricity to more than 900,000 customers and natural gas to more than 500,000 customers. As part of Ohio’s Energy Choice program, Duke Energy Ohio still delivers power, maintains the lines, and handles outages, but customers can choose a different supplier for the generation portion of their electric bill.

That matters right now because Duke Energy Ohio’s default supply price, also known as the Price to Compare, is going up.

How much are Duke Energy Ohio Rates Increasing?

Beginning June 1, 2026, Duke Energy Ohio’s residential Price to Compare will increase to 10.7016¢ per kWh, up from the current 10.0819¢ per kWh. That is a little over a 6% increase for residential non-PIPP customers.

For a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month, the increase equals roughly $6.20 per month on the generation supply portion of the bill. Customers who use more electricity, especially during hot summer months, may see a larger impact. Customers who use less may see a smaller one.

It’s important to note that the Price to Compare does not represent your entire electric bill. Your bill also includes delivery charges, taxes, and other fees. Duke Energy Ohio remains your electric utility even if you switch suppliers, so it will continue to deliver electricity and respond to outages.

Why are Duke Energy Ohio Rates Going Up?

Duke Energy Ohio’s increase is tied to three main areas.

1. Standard Service Offer Supply Costs are Being Updated.

In Ohio, customers who do not shop for a competitive supplier receive default generation service through the utility’s Standard Service Offer. Duke Energy Ohio sources its default supply through a competitive bidding process approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

PUCO approved Duke Energy Ohio’s current Electric Security Plan in 2025, including the process the utility will use to set customer rates from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2028. Duke Energy Ohio continues to source electricity for Standard Service Offer customers through competitive bidding.

When those supply costs change, the PTC changes too.

2. Capacity Costs Remain a Major Pressure Point

Capacity costs are payments designed to ensure enough electricity will be available to meet future demand. Duke Energy Ohio is part of PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator that serves Ohio and several other states.

PJM capacity prices have risen sharply. PJM’s 2025–2026 capacity auction cleared at a record $329.17/MW-day, up about 22% from the previous auction, signaling tighter grid conditions and higher future costs. ElectricityRates.com has previously covered how PJM prices are driving up energy costs across the region.

Those higher capacity costs can filter into supply rates for utilities and retail suppliers alike.

3. Electricity Demand is Rising

Across the country, power demand is climbing due to factors such as data centers, electrification, manufacturing growth, and extreme weather. ElectricityRates.com has also reported on how rising energy costs from data centers may affect homeowners and renters even when their personal energy use has not changed.

Duke Energy is facing bill pressure in other parts of its service territory as well. In the Carolinas, for example, Duke Energy requested permission to raise rates in June 2026 to recover $809 million in fuel and purchased power costs incurred from September 2025 to February 2026. Those filings are separate from Duke Energy Ohio, but they show the broader cost pressures affecting electric utilities right now.

How long will this increase last?

The new Duke Energy Ohio residential Price to Compare takes effect June 1, 2026. The updated Retail Energy and Retail Capacity riders cover the period from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. However, the PTC may change slightly during the year because certain bypassable riders are typically updated separately.

That means customers should not assume the June 1 rate will stay the same for the entire year. If you stay on Duke Energy Ohio’s default supply rate, your PTC can change over time based on approved riders, market conditions, and future utility filings.

Assistance Programs for Duke Energy Ohio Customers

If rising electric bills are becoming difficult to manage, help may be available.

Ohio residents can access multiple energy assistance options, including HEAP, PIPP, and Dollar Energy Fund grants, to help pay electric bills and avoid disconnection. Eligibility for many programs depends on household income and verified need for utilities.

A few options to explore include:

• HEAP/LIHEAP: A federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of home energy bills.
• PIPP Plus: A state-regulated program that allows qualifying customers to pay a percentage of household income each month instead of the full utility bill.
• Weatherization Assistance Program: Free home energy improvements for eligible households to reduce long-term energy use.
• Budget Billing: A utility option that spreads annual energy costs across more predictable monthly payments.
• Payment Arrangements and Extensions: Short-term help for customers who need more time to catch up on delinquent bills.

You can learn more in our full guide to Ohio energy assistance programs.

How to Take Control of Rising Duke Energy Ohio Electricity Costs

You can’t control wholesale energy markets. But if you live in Duke Energy Ohio’s service area, you do have options.

1. Compare Your Current Rate Against Supplier Offers

Start with your current Price to Compare. For Duke Energy Ohio residential customers, the new June 1 PTC is 10.7016¢/kWh.

Then compare that rate with offers from Ohio electricity providers. Ohio’s deregulated energy market allows residents to choose their own retail electricity supplier for the supply portion of the bill. At the same time, the local utility remains responsible for delivery, line maintenance, and outages.

2. Look for Fixed-Rate Electricity Plans

A fixed-rate plan lets you lock in a price for the length of your contract. That can make your monthly costs more predictable and protect you from future market swings.

ElectricityRates.com’s guide to electricity plan options explains the differences between fixed-rate, variable-rate, and indexed plans. Fixed-rate plans are often the most popular choice for customers who want price stability.

3. Use Trusted Comparison Tools

You can review offers through Ohio’s Apples to Apples site or use ElectricityRates.com to compare curated plans from trusted suppliers.

Apples to Apples is a PUCO tool that shows electricity prices from different suppliers, including whether rates are fixed or variable, contract length, and additional fees.

4. Watch Your Usage During Peak Seasons

Even a lower rate can lead to a high bill if usage climbs. Ohio households often use more electricity in the summer when air conditioners run longer.

To reduce usage:

• Raise your thermostat a few degrees when you’re away
• Replace dirty HVAC filters
• Use ceiling fans to feel cooler without lowering the thermostat
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors
• Run major appliances during cooler parts of the day
• Unplug electronics that draw standby power

These steps may not fully mitigate the impact of rising rates, but they can help keep your bill more manageable.

5. Don’t wait until the rate increase hits

Rate changes are a good reminder to review your electricity plan before summer usage spikes. If you’re still on Duke Energy Ohio’s default supply rate, compare available offers now and decide whether switching makes sense for your home.

You can start by reviewing current Ohio electricity rates or visiting our dedicated Duke Energy Ohio page for more information about the utility, its Price to Compare, and available ways to save.

Bottom line: Duke Energy Ohio Customers Have Options

Duke Energy Ohio’s Price to Compare is rising in June 2026, but that doesn’t mean customers have to sit back and absorb higher costs without a plan.

The key is to know your current rate, understand what’s changing, and compare your options. Whether you switch to a fixed-rate supplier plan, reduce your household usage, or apply for assistance, taking action now can help you better manage your electric bill through the summer and beyond.