COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — A new report projects Ohio households could pay about $800 in electricity costs this summer, marking a 17% increase from last year’s average of $682.
The analysis, released by the Washington, D.C.-based policy organization Third Way, estimates average residential electricity costs from June through September using data from the Electricity Price Hub, a project developed by Heatmap News in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
According to the report, rising electricity demand driven by data centers, manufacturing and increased electrification is outpacing the nation’s ability to add new power generation, contributing to higher costs.
The report noted Ohio consumers experienced a 108% spike in electricity costs between May and July 2025. While some forecasts predict this summer’s rates will increase by about 7.5%, Third Way said Heatmap data showed average Ohio electricity bills in May 2026 were already 14% higher than a year earlier. If that trend continues, the report estimates July bills could average about $238, with total summer costs exceeding $780.
Third Way argues additional electricity generation is needed to meet growing demand and contends expanding renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and battery storage could help stabilize prices because those projects can be built more quickly than many traditional power plants.
The report also criticizes federal policies that it says have slowed clean energy development while supporting older coal-fired power plants, arguing those actions could contribute to higher electricity costs in the future.
The findings come as many households continue to struggle with utility expenses. National organizations that monitor energy affordability report that millions of Americans remain behind on their utility bills, with lower-income households facing the greatest financial challenges.
Last Updated on July 13, 2026 by AVC News
