AES Ohio, a subsidiary of The AES Corporation received approval from The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for the Company’s Electric Security Plan (ESP) settlement, a three-year comprehensive plan to invest in and upgrade its network, strengthen service reliability, provide greater safeguards for price stability and continue investments in local economic development.
“Approval of the ESP settlement represents a significant milestone for AES Ohio to create meaningful reliability improvements while supporting customer needs and the rapid growth of the Dayton region,” said Ahmed Pasha, acting AES President, US Utilities. “We are appreciative of the efforts and collaboration among our stakeholders to reach this settlement for the benefit of our customers.”
Customer programs
- Increase educational outreach of utility assistance and low-income energy efficiency programs, prioritizing communities with a high percentage of disconnections. Translation needs will be addressed.
- Over the three-year term of the ESP, AES Ohio will contribute $150,000 of shareholder funds to the Gift of Power program for emergency relief to customers facing disconnection due to financial hardship.
- Elimination of the $25 Reconnection of Meter charge for customers with smart meters.
- New and enhanced customer programs such as weatherization assistance, electric vehicles (EVs) and customer education.
Economic development
- Introduce new programs to address green energy and the growing electrification needs of customers.
- Economic development incentives for new and existing customers to promote attracting or expanding business or manufacturing facilities.
Bill impact
- In December 2022, the PUCO issued an order in AES Ohio’s distribution rate case which sought approval to recover long-term investments in the reliability of its system. The order authorized an increase to take effect following approval of the AES Ohio Electric Security Plan.
- A residential customer using 1,000 kWh a month will see a $2.71 decrease from the ESP settlement, which will offset the distribution rate increase of $8.04 for a net increase of $5.33. This reflects a 3.4% increase for customers on AES Ohio’s Standard Service Offer (SSO). Both the new ESP settlement and distribution rates will go into effect the first billing cycle in September.
To learn more about AES Ohio’s Electric Security Plan, visit aes-ohio.com/esp.