Watch Out For Dayton Rate Hike
No one wants to hear that their electricity bills may rise. But that’s what happened to Dayton energy customers with recent rate increase filings by AES (formerly Dayton Power and Light) and CenterPoint. Their customers could see a lot less money in their pockets if these proposals are accepted. But now we have to ask, how high could bills rise and what can we do about it? Let’s figure out what you can do to offset the AES and CenterPoint rate hikes.
How Much Could Dayton Rates Rise?
Right now the AES Ohio distribution charge on is 2.86082 cents per kWh. If we assume that you use 1000 kWh of energy, you would pay $28.60 on that part of the bill. Meanwhile, the AES Ohio PTC is 8.58 cents per kWh. This equals a supply charge of $85.80. That adds up to a bill of nearly $115 before taxes and any other rider charges.
AES Ohio seeks to raise distribution rates by 14% for standard offer service customers. All the same, any 1,000 kWh monthly bill would go up by about $21.75. So you may be able to offset this rate hike if you shop plans to lock in cheaper electricity rates.
Meanwhile, CenterPoint Energy filed for a 29% rate increase. The natural gas utility currently charges a distribution rate of $0.381 per ccf. This means paying $38.10 for using 100 ccf per month. Now, the OCC estimates that typical gas bills are closer to $78.86 per month. So, the average bill could rise to $102.24; a hike of about $23.38. Don’t forget that winter is right around the corner. So natural gas rates could rise in due to high heating demand.
Find Help For High Energy Costs
Rate hikes are never a good thing. Especially when low-income families face this kind of double whammy during the cold winter months. Fortunately, Ohio has programs that can help.
For instance, low-income homes can go online and apply for Ohio Energy Assistance Programs. These programs include the HEAP Winter Crisis Program to help you avoid shutoffs. The program can even get you reconnected if you’re in need. The HEAP Winter Crisis Program application will require making an appointment with your local energy assistance provider.
Regardless of what programs you need or qualify for, you must have the following items on hand and ready:
- Proof of income for every household member. This includes SSI, SSDI, social security pensions, alimony, self-employment, or unemployment.
- Copies of your most recent utility bills
- List of household members including birth dates and SSN
- Proof of US citizenship/legal residency (including social security cards, birth certificates, and passports)
Shop Now For Cheapest Rates
We don’t know if the PUCO will accept these utilities’ proposed hikes. But we do know that winter is coming. So before you fire up your heating, take some time to shop for both cheaper electricity rates and low priced natural gas plans. Locking in a great deal today, could save you big this winter. You might even be able to offset these rate hikes if they do go into effect.
You can always start shopping right here at https://www.ohenergyratings.com. We’re also your trusted source for news that could affect your bills.