Assistance for every family
 Winter temperatures can mean higher home heating bills for Ohioans.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that compared to last year, U.S. households will spend slightly more to heat their homes with electricity this year and slightly less if they use natural gas.
There are lots of utility payment and assistance programs that can help keep you connected and warm. Here's a quick rundown:
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PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan): A year-round payment plan where eligible customers pay a portion of their income toward their electric (and/or gas) bills.
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HEAP – Home Energy Assistance Program: A one-time financial benefit applied to a heating or bulk fuel bill for low-income households.
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HEAP Winter Crisis Program: Helps income-eligible customers maintain or restore service, or establish new service, between November and March.
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Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP): Helps eligible households improve energy efficiency (e.g., insulation) to lower utility costs.
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Special Reconnect Order (SRO): Available mid-October to mid-April; allows any customer (regardless of income) to reconnect or avoid disconnection by paying up to $175 (plus a reconnection fee up to $36).
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30-Day Medical Certificate: For customers with a serious medical condition in the household, this helps avoid disconnection or reconnect service.
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Utility-Provided Assistance Programs: Various customer assistance programs offered directly by utilities for bill payment help.
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Patriot Plan: Extra protections and help for military households.
Click below to learn more about each of these plans, see application details and keep the heat on this winter.
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PUCO orders FirstEnergy utilities pay $250 million penalty, issue customer restitution
This month, the PUCO issued orders in its investigation in response to the criminal investigation brought by the U.S. Department of Justice surrounding the passage of Amended Substitute House Bill 6 during the 133rd General Assembly.
In two separate orders, the Commission found FirstEnergy’s Ohio utilities—Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison and Toledo Edison—violated Ohio law, PUCO regulations, PUCO orders, and ordered the utilities to pay a combined $250.70 million in restitution to customers and civil forfeitures.
“The Commission has remained steadfast in ensuring that we have followed the facts wherever they may lead,” stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French. “Our hope is the events underlying these proceedings will remain a cautionary lesson of accountability and honesty in utility regulatory matters.”
- The companies must provide $250.7 million in total restitution and penalties.
- $179.99 million will be refunded to customers over three billing cycles.
- An additional $6.64 million plus interest will be refunded for improper or undocumented charges identified in a 2021 audit.
- The utilities must submit their final refund calculations to PUCO by Nov. 26, 2025, with refunds starting the billing cycle after approval.
Read more details here.
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Public hearings scheduled
The PUCO has scheduled public hearings across Ohio for two distribution rate cases. Those that testify in either of these cases will have their comments included in the case record.
AEP Ohio - application to increase distribution rates
- December 3, 2025, 6 p.m.
Zanesville City Hall
Zanesville, OH
- December 4, 2025, 6 p.m.
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus, OH
- December 5, 2025, 6 p.m.
Washington State College
Marietta, OH
- December 8, 2025, 6 p.m.
Owens Community College
Findlay, OH
- December 9, 2025, 11 a.m.
PUCO - 180 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH
More information about AEP's case is available here.
Suburban Natural Gas - application to increase distribution rates
- December 15, 2025, 6 p.m.
Delaware County District Library
Delaware, OH
More information about Suburban's case is available here.
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PUCO establishes new distribution rates for FirstEnergy’s Ohio utilities
The PUCO has ordered Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison, and Toledo Edison to update their electricity distribution rates. Together, the utilities will see an annual revenue increase of about $34 million— below the $190 million they initially requested.
“In today’s order, we have provided the tools necessary to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of service by FirstEnergy to its customers,” stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French. “We recognize that FirstEnergy has a duty to provide that safe and reliable service to its customers. Whether it be through investments in the grid or proper vegetative management, FirstEnergy is expected to provide reliable service at fair prices as directed through today’s order.”
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Ohio Edison: Revenue decrease of $17.4 million
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Toledo Edison: Revenue decrease of $24.4 million
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Cleveland Electric Illuminating: Revenue increase of $75.9 million
Click to learn more about this case.
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PUCO accepts settlement agreement in AES Ohio rate case
The PUCO has approved a settlement agreement in AES Ohio’s distribution rate case. AES Ohio provides electric service to about 520,000 customers.
Under the settlement, AES Ohio will be allowed to implement new rates that generate an additional $168 million per year—significantly less than the $235 million the company originally requested.
The agreement was unopposed and supported by a wide range of stakeholders, including PUCO staff, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, the city of Dayton, major business groups, energy suppliers, and community organizations.
Learn more about the settlement here.
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Federal comments filed
The PUCO's Office of the Federal Energy Advocate (FEA) filed a response to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's notice inviting comments in response to the Secretary of Energy's advance notice of proposed rule making regarding the interconnection of large loads to the interstate transmission system.
Earlier this month, the FEA also filed comments on PJM's Stage 4 Critical Issue Fast Path process.
Read all federal comments here.
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PUCO approves $1.4 million for rail crossing safety upgrades
This month, the PUCO approved over $1.4 million in safety upgrades for rail crossings in three Ohio counties.
CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSX) will install flashing lights and gates at the Harbor Drive grade crossing in Hamilton County by Aug. 5, 2026. Federal funds will pay $562,576 to complete the project.
Columbus & Ohio River Railroad Company (CUOH) will install flashing lights and gates at the Chestnut Street and St. Clairsville Road grade crossings in Tuscarawas County, and the Schumaker Road grade crossing in Coshocton County by Nov. 5, 2026. Federal funds will pay $873,981 to complete the projects.
More information about these projects and rail safety is available here.
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OPSB approves construction of Licking County behind-the-meter power plant and Fulton County solar energy facility
The Ohio Power Siting Board has approved an agreement allowing PowerConneX New Albany 2, LLC to construct a 216-megawatt (MW) behind-the-meter power plant in Licking County. The OPSB also approved an agreement allowing CG Fulton County LLC to construct a 199-MW solar-powered electric generation facility and an associated 138-kilovolt transmission line in Fulton County.
In separate business, the OPSB adopted rules implementing Ohio Substitute House Bill 15 to provide for the accelerated review of certain applications for construction certificates.
Read more about the OPSB November meeting here.
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Stay protected against utility scammers
November 19 was Utility Scam Awareness Day — but we're reminding you to stay vigilant all year long!
Remember these 3 steps if you receive a suspicious request from someone claiming to be your local utility representative:
Get updates when your rate changes
Receive an instant email or text notification when your utility changes their generation rates or natural gas prices.
Join the PUCO
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Positions are posted regularly to Careers.Ohio.gov. Use the filter to select "Public Utilities Commission" to see all open jobs.
View all open positions at Careers.Ohio.gov.
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