Lights Out on AEP
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)
Electricity prices in central Ohio have risen at an unsustainable pace, outpacing inflation by 40%. For some families, this means choosing between paying the electric bill and putting food on the table. For seniors and low-income residents, it means risking unsafe temperatures in their homes. And for small businesses, it can mean layoffs. The reality is inflated electricity costs are taking away money from all central Ohio residents managing a U.S. affordability crisis.
Despite the growing burden on central Ohio residents, AEP is requesting that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approve yet another rate increase, as the Wall Street utility continues to report substantial profits and reward shareholders. It’s time for PUCO to stand with residents and small businesses and say no to AEP’s proposed increase.
Let’s send a clear message: Central Ohioans are done paying more for less. It’s time to say lights out on AEP.
Sponsored by
To:
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)
From:
[Your Name]
We, the undersigned residents of Central Ohio, call on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to reject AEP’s proposed rate hike.
Every home, school, and business in our community depends on affordable and reliable electric power. Yet AEP has repeatedly sought to raise rates far beyond inflation, placing an unfair financial strain on all working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses. Central Ohio residents and small businesses are already struggling with rising costs of food, rent, and transportation. Approving another rate hike would push more households into crisis and deepen energy insecurity across our region.
AEP’s justification for these increases often hides behind vague claims of “infrastructure improvement,” but the company’s own financial disclosures tell a different story, one of consistent profits and executive bonuses fueling returns for Wall Street investors, not central Ohio. Ratepayers should not be asked to fund corporate excess while facing disconnections, mounting late fees, and impossible choices about which bills to pay.
We urge PUCO to take a stand for fairness and public accountability. Ohio’s energy future must be built around equity, sustainability, and transparency, not shareholder greed. PUCO has the authority and responsibility to protect the public interest, which means saying NO to AEP’s rate increase.