Market Alerts

COLUMBUS, OH (April 1, 2026) – Today the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) ordered AEP Ohio to implement new distribution rates that will reduce its annual revenues by approximately $58.7 million. The PUCO also approved AEP Ohio’s request to update its bill format.

“The settlement we’re approving today focuses on utility affordability and ensuring that new data centers are responsible for the costs they impose on the grid, while providing the utility with the tools it needs to focus on system reliability,” stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French. “

The PUCO adopted a settlement agreement that will increase base distribution revenues by $11 million, compared to the $97 million sought by the utility. The settlement also establishes a return of equity of 9.84 percent.

AEP Ohio will also return to customers approximately $105 million to customers over an 18-month period due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, resulting in a total revenue decrease of $58.7 million.

AEP Ohio will institute a minimum monthly customer charge for new data center customers. In its order, the Commission highlighted this provision builds upon the PUCO’s previous order to create a specific data center tariff, to ensure data center customers pay for the costs they impose on the grid.

AEP Ohio is authorized to continue programs to make capital investments in its distribution systems and manage vegetation to reduce outages, which include commitments to address trees outside of the utility’s right of way which significantly contribute to outages. Any costs under these programs are subject to future PUCO review, approval and audit.

In separate business, the PUCO approved AEP Ohio’s revised bill format. The revised format will enhance transparency and help customers better understand their electricity bills.

A copy of today’s opinion and orders is available online at PUCO.ohio.gov by clicking on the link to “Docketing Information System” and searching cases 25-392-EL-AIR (rate case) and 25-971-EL-UNC (bill format).

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service. The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business and industrial consumers have access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices. Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.

For additional information, contact: Matt Schilling | (614) 466-7750

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Source:
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio PUCO@info.puco.ohio.gov