Winter Crisis Continues as AES Rates Increase

Winter weather is on the way along with higher utility costs.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has approved a 9% rate increase by AES, the electric provider for the entire MVCAP service area, that will take effect in 2026.

As customers navigate this increase, MVCAP encourages you to know your options for assistance.

If you live at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Level ($56,262.50 for a family of four in 2025), you may be eligible for MVCAP’s utility assistance programs:

• Winter Crisis is for customers who are without heat or who have received a disconnect notice.
• Home Energy Assistance Program is for customers who have heat but are struggling to pay their bill.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) reduces bills to a percentage of the customer’s income.

Additionally, the State of Ohio’s Special Reconnect order is available to all Ohioans regardless of income. For a flat fee, utilities will reconnect your heat between now and mid-April. Those who qualify can combine the reconnect order with the winter crisis program.

Learn more about MVCAP programs by clicking here.

Those who are over income and have a disconnection notice may be eligible for help from the Gift of Power program operated by the Salvation Army in cooperation with AES. You must be without heat or have a disconnection notice but there are no income limits.

As part of its settlement with the PUCO, AES has donated $1 million to the Gift of Power program which opens in January. AES customers and others can also donate to Gift of Power. Learn more at aes-ohio.com/gift.

AES also offers a winter heating plan allowing customers to avoid disconnection by paying a portion of their bill. Contact AES for information about other payment options.

All customers may benefit from using the PUCO’s tool Energy Choice Ohio. This allows consumers to compare prices offered by different suppliers (distributed by AES) and may help lower costs. Visit www.energychoiceohio.gov.