AEP Ohio 2025 Base Case Request
Learn what a base rate case is, why it's needed and how it affects you.
On May 30, 2025, AEP Ohio filed a request with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for an increase in electric distribution base rates. Distribution base rates reflect the cost of delivering electricity to customers. These costs pay for the distribution system - poles, wires, substations and other equipment - along with the costs required to keep this system running.
If the Commission approves AEP Ohio's request, residential base rates will increase by approximately 2.14% (or $3.95 per month) for an average residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month. The exact amount customers' bills may change will depend on the outcome of the PUCO case.
AEP Ohio understands that affordable power is important. We work hard to invest efficiently and get the most benefit for customers out of every dollar we spend. AEP Ohio will keep customers, communities, business partners and others updated throughout the process.
Rate Case at a Glance
AEP Ohio last filed a base rate case five years ago in 2020. Since then, AEP Ohio has invested more than $2 billion to update and improve its distribution system. The base rate increase is needed to ensure we can continue to support, maintain and upgrade the system through new investments; respond to demands on the system because of growth; and to repair or update aging infrastructure.
How It Benefits You
It's all about keeping the power flowing to homes and businesses across our 61-county footprint while improving our service. Base rates allow us to:
- Replace equipment like poles, wires and transformers
- Add protections to electrical equipment that protect against outages
- Respond to growth, severe weather and other factors that put demands on the local electric grid
Next Steps
The PUCO will rigorously review AEP Ohio's requested increase and seek input from a variety of customer groups to ensure that all costs we incur for customers are reasonable and necessary. These cases often take over a year to finalize from the date AEP Ohio files.
Financial Assistance
AEP Ohio recognizes that a rate increase - no matter the amount - is never welcome news. We also know that rising inflation and increased costs for many household essentials have put a strain on some customers.
AEP Ohio has several resources available for customers who are struggling to pay their bills. These include programs for low-income customers, guidance about government programs to assist with bills, payment arrangements and tools to manage energy usage. Customers can visit AEPOhio.com/Assistance for information and resources.
Factors That Can Impact Your Electric Bill
Weather
When temperatures go up, so can your electric bill. Your energy usage can creep up quickly during the cold winter months or hot summer months, which means higher-than-usual electric bills.
Extra Billing Days
It's normal for the number of days in each billing cycle to change from month to month. More days per cycle will cause your bill to be higher. You can see the number of days in your billing cycle on the front page of your bill.
Rate Changes
The rates you pay for each kilowatt-hour of electricity you use may change several times each year. This is because AEP Ohio's rates go up and down based on how much it spends on certain types of costs, such as transmitting or distributing power to your location, tree trimming and storm restoration. All of AEP Ohio's rates are approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) before they are charged to your bill.
Energy Supply Rates
AEP Ohio delivers energy to your home and maintains power lines and equipment. Customers who select another company to supply their power through our lines may have different rates. See page three of your bill to learn about choosing who generates your power and visit energychoice.ohio.gov for energy providers and their rates.