More Ohioans are getting their power shut off as energy costs surge

More Ohio households had their power shut off for unpaid bills last year than in any of the past three years. Across the state's regulated electric utilities, an average of 7.7% of customers were disconnected in the year ending May 31, up from a range of 6-7% in prior years. That adds up to nearly 345,000 shutoffs, and the average amount owed when service was cut rose to $558, up from $495 the year before.

The utilities' disconnection rates varied widely. FirstEnergy had the lowest rate, 3.6%, thanks partly to expanded payment plans and outreach to connect customers with assistance. AEP's Ohio Power utility had the highest, at 15%, more than double FirstEnergy, AES Ohio, or Duke Energy. Rising bills are a big part of the problem: the average Ohio electric bill grew more than 53% from June 2021 to June 2026, well above the 32% national average, driven by surging demand (including from data centers), extreme weather, and aging grid equipment.

Advocates point out that a 2019 state law eliminated many utility-run energy-efficiency programs, which help households use less power and avoid falling behind on bills. Federal cuts to efficiency support add another obstacle. Meanwhile, hotter summers mean more air conditioning use, which could push bills — and disconnections — higher still. If you're in Ohio, it may be worth checking whether your utility offers payment plans or bill assistance, and looking into what efficiency or weatherization help (sealing air leaks, upgrading insulation) might still be available in your area to help lower your own bill.