Lights Out AEP!
AEP Ohio has requested a 2.14% increase in its distribution base rate — a change that could raise a typical household’s monthly bill by about $3.95 for 1,000 kWh of usage.
In response, we have launched a grassroots campaign urging customers and small businesses in Central Ohio to voice their opposition. Were gathering petition signatures and encouraging people to attend or submit comments at upcoming public hearings scheduled by Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) on December 4 and 9.
The campaign highlights financial strain many residents already face — some reporting electric-bill disconnect notices despite essential electricity needs — arguing that another increase could make power unaffordable for vulnerable households.
Check out the link below for the full article!
Grassroots effort to prevent AEP rate hike
Here’s a short summary of the article from Spectrum News about the grassroots push against the proposed rate increase by AEP Ohio:
Local advocates are mounting a campaign to block AEP Ohio’s requested 2.14% raise in distribution base rates — a change that could add about $3.95 per month to a typical customer’s electric bill (for ~1,000 kWh/month). They say many families are already struggling, some choosing between paying rent, food, or utilities, and a number have recently received disconnection notices.
Through the campaign — led by grassroots group Columbus Stand Up — residents and small businesses are being urged to sign a petition, speak out, and attend public hearings before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) this December.
Check out the full article below!
AEP’s Response to Lights Out AEP!
The company said that the requested increase would cover costs tied to maintaining and upgrading equipment — such as power poles, lines, and transformers — as well as paying line workers and other staff responsible for restoring power after outages.
AEP Ohio noted that distribution rates have remained flat for about a decade and argued the proposed hike isn’t driving the broader electricity cost surges: instead, rising generation and transmission costs — largely due to a supply-demand imbalance in Ohio — are behind higher bills.
Finally, AEP said it offers assistance programs to help customers manage energy costs, including payment plans and tools to track and reduce electricity usage — and is also seeking to make its billing more transparent.
Check out the full article below!
Were Making Headlines!
A youth-led candidate debate is being organized by Columbus Stand Up, a local nonprofit dedicated to amplifying community voices and boosting civic engagement. The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 7 and will take place at the Fort Hayes Education Center Auditorium in Columbus, Ohio
This debate is designed to engage young adults in the electoral process, allowing them to pose the questions that matter most to their generation directly to candidates running in local elections—from City Council to the Board of Education. By centering youth voices, the event aims to foster civic participation and ensure that emerging leaders have a platform to be heard.
Click the link below for the full article!
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