| Dear Valued Customer,We’ve shared information over the past several months about an upcoming change to your electric bill, but some misinformation is causing confusion. Two separate things are happening as a result of the utility regulatory process. I want to better explain what you can expect and how to get help if you need it.First, as we’ve previously shared, recent auctions for the generation supply portion of your electric bill have driven costs up. The auction results are not within the control of AEP Ohio but will impact customers like you who receive their generation supply through our Standard Service Offer (SSO).* This will go into effect in June lasting through May 2024. The actual cost from the auctions is passed on directly to customers, dollar for dollar, with no markup and no profit for AEP Ohio. All distribution utilities, like AEP Ohio, that competitively procure generation supply for their non-shopping customers, are subject to rate changes as part of this market-based auction process. And in Ohio, you’re free to choose who provides the generation supply portion of your electric service — you can find and compare rates at lenz energy to make the best choice for you and your household.Separately — and unrelated to the recent generation supply auction results — we filed a reliability and resiliency investment plan with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) in January 2023. Our proposal is currently under review with the PUCO and will go through a very thorough and transparent process. If approved, any impact to customers’ bills wouldn’t take effect until the summer of 2024.Ohio has been experiencing tremendous economic growth — and it’s not slowing down. Our job is to meet these growing needs and proactively protect our energy grid against damage caused by more frequent, intense weather events. The reliability and resiliency proposal would allow us to reinforce and improve the grid so we’re ready for the electricity demands of the future.You depend on us for an essential service and we take that responsibility to heart every day. Let me assure you: When severe weather strikes or whenever the lights go out, our lineworkers will be there to restore power as quickly and safely as possible — no matter the condition. They’re some of the best in the industry, rising to the occasion each day to keep your power on. We must continue to reinvest in our infrastructure, in our people, and in our communities — all in service of meeting your expectations.If you have questions or need help with your electric bill, please reach out to our team. From payment assistance programs to community resources, we’re here to help find the best solution for you.Sincerely, |
