To the editor:

I have recently heard concerns from constituents in the 79th District regarding the electric rate increases that went into effect on June 1, 2023. As we head into the summer months and we worry about the hottest days ahead, I wanted to provide information on the latest increase and energy choice in Ohio.

The rate changes follow a trend of increases that align closely with customers of the state’s other electric distributors. In Ohio, the standard service offer (SSO) is the default rate for generation supply that an electric distribution utility charges a customer who decides not to shop for the generation portion of their electric bill.

In order to secure electricity for customers on the SSO rate, electric distribution utilities conduct competitive wholesale auctions to acquire the generation necessary to serve the standard service offer. Due to a variety of international and national factors impacting the supply of electricity, these recent competitive auctions have resulted in increases as of June 1, 2023 in the price of the generation portion of Ohioans’ electric bill. These increases were approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) as fair rates given the current state of utility costs.

However, Ohio consumers have the ability to choose or shop for the generation portion of their electric bill, thus reducing their OVERALL bill impacts. Here is a link to an article that the PUCO recently posted regarding choices that Ohio ratepayers have regarding the generation portion of their energy bill in Ohio: https://puco.ohio.gov/news/news-bureau-energy-choice.

Per the information on the PUCO’s website, Ohioans have options to choose the company that generates their electricity. Using www.EnergyChoiceOhio.gov and then using the Apples to Apples comparison tool, Ohioans can view rates, terms, and conditions associated with competitive generation supply offerings. In fact, in 2022, nearly half of Ohio’s residential, industrial, and commercial customers chose different suppliers to provide their electric or natural gas service.

I hope this information is of assistance to my constituents and fellow Ohioans. If you have any questions on this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office at Rep79@ohiohouse.gov or 614-466-8022.

Monica Robb Blasdel,

State Rep, District 79,

Columbus