Cutrona Notes Coming Increased Electricity Rates, Encourages Alternative Options for Residents

In the coming days, State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) points out that there will be electricity rate increases for some residents. However, the representative points out that individuals have alternative energy options available.

“While some residents may know about the upcoming rate increases, some may not know of the alternatives available to actually lower their electric rates, and I encourage them to take a look at the resources they have available to assist them and their families with costs,” Cutrona said.

In Ohio, the standard service offer (SSO) has long served as the default rate for the generation supply charged by electric distribution utilities to customers who opt not to shop for the generation portion of their electric bill. In order to ensure electricity supply for customers on the SSO rate, electric distribution utilities conduct competitive wholesale auctions to procure the necessary generation. However, recent international and national factors have significantly impacted the supply of electricity, leading to forthcoming increases in the price of the generation portion of Ohioans' electric bills, effective June 1, 2023.

Other resources for Ohioans can be found at www.EnergyChoiceOhio.gov, which serves as a comprehensive platform where consumers can look at other competitive generation supply offers that include access to compare rates, terms, and conditions for generation supply options.

In 2022 alone, nearly half of Ohio's residential, industrial, and commercial customers opted to choose different suppliers for their electric or natural gas service.

“This significant uptake reflects the desire of Ohioans for greater control over their energy costs and the opportunity to find competitive rates and service terms that align with their needs,” Cutrona added.