COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Nearly 345,000 Ohio households and businesses had their electric service disconnected for nonpayment during the year ending May 31, as rising utility costs continue to strain family budgets across the state.
According to filings with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, state-regulated utilities disconnected customers at a statewide rate of 7.7%. Customers whose service was shut off owed an average of $558 when disconnected, up from $495 a year earlier.
The report, highlighted by Canary Media, found Ohio’s average residential electric bill has increased more than 53% since June 2021, compared to a 32% increase nationwide, based on data from the Electricity Price Hub developed by Heatmap and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Disconnection rates varied among utilities. AEP Ohio reported the highest shutoff rate at 15%, while FirstEnergy had the lowest at 3.6%.
Consumer advocates warn that losing electric service during the summer can leave families without air conditioning, refrigeration for food and medication, lighting and other essential household services.
Utility companies say they have expanded efforts to help customers avoid disconnections. FirstEnergy said it has introduced more flexible payment plans, increased outreach to connect customers with financial assistance programs and expanded protections for vulnerable residents.
Under a 2024 settlement, AEP Ohio is also required to share disconnection data by ZIP code with the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, allowing officials to better identify communities most affected by utility shutoffs.
The report also noted that policy changes, including the repeal of broad utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs under Ohio’s House Bill 6, have reduced opportunities for customers to lower their electricity use and monthly bills while additional clean energy projects continue to face regulatory and political hurdles.
Last Updated on July 20, 2026 by AVC News
