COLUMBUS — Some AEP Ohio customers in Columbus say their electric bills have doubled over the past two months, and they want answers.
Residents in the Columbus area took to social media Friday to share their frustration. Multiple customers reported seeing bills nearly twice as high as the same period last year, even accounting for the cold weather and increased heater use.
“It seems like the charges literally doubled for both months,” one Columbus resident wrote online. “Seems like an increase in just heater use alone wouldn’t be enough to double the bill.”
What AEP Ohio Says
AEP Ohio raised its residential electricity supply rate in June 2025. The rate climbed from around 7.3 cents per kilowatt-hour to more than 10 cents per kilowatt-hour, an increase of roughly 36 percent. For a typical household, that adds up to an extra $27 or more per month. Those higher rates remain in effect through May 2026.
The increase was tied to a spike in wholesale electricity capacity prices through PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator that manages electricity supply across Ohio and 12 other states.
More Increases on the Way
AEP Ohio also filed a separate request with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to raise distribution rates further. If approved, the typical residential customer could see their annual bill increase by nearly $50, according to the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel — the state agency that represents residential utility customers.
A final PUCO decision is expected in the first half of 2026.
What You Can Do
Customers who believe their bill is incorrect can contact AEP Ohio directly at 1-800-672-2231. Residents can also file a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio at 1-800-686-7826 or puco.ohio.gov.
The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, which advocates for residential customers in utility cases, can be reached at 1-877-742-5622.
This report is based on community reports, AEP Ohio public rate filings, and records from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Official confirmation from AEP Ohio is pending. This article will be updated as new information becomes available.