OCC Newsletter – Winter 2026

Welcome to the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel’s (OCC) email newsletter! We think you’ll find the information below useful.

In This Issue:

• National Consumer Protection Week 2026

• A Message from the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel

• Energy Efficiency Quiz

• Consumer Alerts

• Utility Rate Case Updates

• Legislative News

• Follow Us on Social Media

National Consumer Protection Week

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is the first full week of March each year. NCPW 2026 is March 1-7, but OCC will observe Consumer Protection the entire month.

NCPW, led by the Federal Trade Commission, is a time to help consumers understand their rights and avoid fraud and scams. OCC will once again be partnering with other agencies, including the Ohio Attorney General, to educate Ohioans about utility scams and consumer rights related to Energy Choice at resource fairs and presentations. Events will be posted on social media. Check out OCC’s fact sheets and videos available year-round to help consumers:

• How to Avoid Utility-Related Scams and Fraud

• How to Make Wise Energy Choices

• Energy Choice: Know Your Rights

• Ways to Stop Unwanted Calls

• What to Know About Utility Line Warranties

• Video: Understanding Your Energy Choices

Utility Assistance Helps Ohioans Through Challenging Times

Many Ohioans struggle to pay their bills as the cost of basic necessities, including utilities, continues to rise. Fortunately, Ohio offers several programs to help households be better able to afford their energy costs and stay connected to essential utility services during the winter months.

Energy Efficiency Quiz

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) supports energy efficiency as a way to reduce energy usage and utility bills. Take this pop quiz to see how much you know about energy efficiency.

Consumer Alerts

OCC encourages you to make your voice heard at the PUCO. At a local public hearing, consumers can share their views. Consumers who testify will have their comments included as evidence in the case record that the PUCO must consider in ruling upon a utility’s request.

Consumer Alert

AES Ohio has filed the first new multi-year rate case under Ohio House Bill 15, seeking an increase for distribution rates it charges consumers. Under the new process, electric utilities can file multi-year rate plans, lasting up to three years, using fully forecasted data. If AES Ohio’s application is approved, distribution charges to consumers will increase by about $143 million, over the three-year period (2027-2029).  Based on schedules provided by AES, the proposed monthly distribution bill increase to consumers are:

These proposed increases come on the heels of the PUCO approving a $168 million rate increase for AES consumers in Nov. 2025. For more information, including how to make your voice heard in the case, see  OCC’s Consumer Alert.

Consumer Alert

Aqua Ohio is a water and sewer utility serving many communities across the state. Aqua Ohio is proposing a rate increase where consumers in certain former water system areas (Auburn Crossing, Auburn Lakes, Lake Erie East, Masury, Mohawk, Norlick Place, Seneca) could see their monthly bills increase by as much as $25 a month. Communities in Firestone Trace, Franklin County and Southwood Estates could see their sewer rates increase between $8.50 and $17 a month.

Two public hearings were held in January. The evidentiary hearing commenced February 17, 2026. Consumers can continue to file comments in Case No. 25-0594-WW-AIR for water, and Case No. 25-0593-ST-AIR for sewer. Find more information on our Consumer Alert.

Utility Rate Case Updates

OCC continues advocating for consumers in multiple rate cases as utilities seek higher rates and consumers struggle to pay their utility bills. Consumers and local leaders are speaking up, and the public can continue to participate by submitting comments in open cases. For case details and instructions on how to get involved, please review the Consumer Alert for each case (linked in the utility name).

AEP Ohio: OCC would like to thank consumers and local officials who spoke at the five public hearings and submitted more than 200 public comments. The case is awaiting a decision by the PUCO Commissioners. AEP reached a settlement with a number of parties, which OCC is opposing. Compared to the rates that will be in effect on the first day of AEP Ohio’s new plan, the proposed settlement would authorize monthly distribution rate increases of approximately $5.61 (8.83%) by the end of year one, $7.58 (11.92%) by the end of year two, and $11.51 (18.11%) by the end of year three. This increase is real. It is permanent.  And Ohio families and small businesses will pay it. Public comments can still be filed in this case.

FirstEnergy (The Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison and Toledo Edison): Advocacy by OCC and others secured a large win for consumers with the PUCO reducing FirstEnergy’s requested $190 million increase to $34 million. Toledo Edison and Ohio Edison customers will see distribution rate decreases, while Illuminating Company customers face about a $4 monthly increase in distribution charges. The PUCO is reviewing its decision and could make further changes.

Legislative News

Legislative news to watch is Ohio House Bill 173 that addresses several  submetering concerns raised by the OCC.

Rental units submetered for utilities—such as electricity, water, or natural gas—may face inflated rates, inaccurate readings or added fees. Renters of submetered properties do not have the same protections as consumers directly served by regulated utilities, including the ability to challenge unfair or unclear charges.

HB 173 would establish important guardrails to strengthen consumer protections for consumers who are submetered. These include clearer billing standards and an improved complaint resolution process. As of early 2026, the bill remains under consideration in the House Energy Committee. OCC encourages renters to contact their State Senator and Representative and share personal submetering experiences to help build support for HB 173 and promote fairer utility practices in multi-family housing.

Prospective renters should review their lease for separate billing provisions, confirm whether their unit has a dedicated meter, and ask whether utility bills come directly from the landlord or a third-party provider rather than the PUCO-regulated utility company.