Ohio’s Electricity Rates Are Rising—Is Solar the Answer?

Hey Ohioans, brace yourselves—your electricity bills are about to climb. Starting in June 2025, experts predict a 10-20% increase in energy costs across the state. If you’re already wincing at your monthly bill, this news probably isn’t sitting well. But before you start unplugging everything in sight, let’s talk about why this is happening—and how solar power might be your ticket to long-term savings.

Why Are Rates Going Up?

The culprit behind this price hike is something called the PJM capacity auction. Think of it as a bidding war where power plants compete to supply electricity for the future. This year’s auction resulted in higher costs for securing power, which means utilities like AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, and Ohio Edison will be passing those costs onto you.

And it’s not just supply rates going up—distribution rates are increasing too. FirstEnergy, for example, is proposing higher fees for customers of Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison, and Toledo Edison, which could add another $13 per month to your bill.

What Can You Do About It?

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to sit back and accept these rising costs. Solar power is becoming an increasingly attractive option for Ohio homeowners looking to take control of their energy expenses.

Right now, the average residential electricity rate in Ohio is expected to hit 18.5 cents per kWh, meaning a typical household using 1,000 kWh per month will pay around $185. Compare that to rooftop solar, which can generate electricity at 6 to 8 cents per kWh—effectively cutting your rate in half.

The Long-Term Savings of Solar

Let’s break it down:

  • Sticking with the grid → $185/month, totaling $86,500 over 25 years.

  • Financing solar → $156/month, totaling $37,500 over 25 years.

  • Buying solar outright → One-time cost of $21,000, with no monthly payments.

That’s a huge difference. Plus, solar panels protect you from future rate hikes, giving you predictable energy costs instead of fluctuating bills.

So, what do you think? Is it time to make the switch? Let’s talk about how solar can work for you! 🚀☀️

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