Lorain County bills could climb

LORAIN COUNTY — FirstEnergy is asking state regulators to approve a three-year plan that could raise monthly electric bills for Lorain County customers beginning in 2027.

Ohio Edison and The Illuminating Company, which both serve portions of Lorain County, are included in the proposal filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

The increases would affect the distribution portion of customers’ bills. That pays for local poles, wires, equipment, tree trimming and system maintenance. It does not include the price of the electricity itself, which is set separately.

Monthly increases would grow

For a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, Ohio Edison projects an average increase of $4.26 per month during each year of the plan.

That means the increase would grow to $8.52 per month in the second year and $12.78 per month by the third year compared with current rates. By the third year, the added cost would total about $153 annually.

The Illuminating Company projects an increase of $5.15 per month during each year. That would grow to $10.30 per month in the second year and $15.45 per month by the third year, or about $185 more annually.

FirstEnergy estimates the increases would average 2.2% per year for Ohio Edison customers and 2.6% per year for Illuminating Company customers.

The estimates are based on a typical residential customer who receives electricity supply through the utility. However, the distribution increase would also affect customers who purchase their electricity from another supplier because FirstEnergy still delivers the power.

If approved, the first increase would take effect July 1, 2027. The plan would continue through June 2030.

Company cites system improvements

FirstEnergy says the plan would support about $2.5 billion in improvements to its Ohio distribution system, including replacing aging poles and wires, adding grid technology and improving storm response.

The company also proposes spending about $83 million annually on tree trimming and vegetation management, up from about $50 million under current rates.

The filing seeks about $254 million in additional revenue during the first year, followed by another $58.8 million in the second year and $79.5 million in the third.

FirstEnergy also proposes continuing weatherization, energy-efficiency and bill-assistance programs. The plan includes a new $4 million assistance fund in 2029 and a $1 million emergency fund for customers facing disconnection or trying to restore service.

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, which represents residential utility customers, has entered the case and said it will examine whether the proposed increases are necessary and reasonably priced.

The PUCO has not approved the plan, and public hearings have not yet been scheduled. Residents may submit comments to the commission by referencing Case No. 26-0347-EL-AIR.

FirstEnergy Ohio President Torrence Hinton said the plan is intended to “strengthen the electric system and improve reliability” while making future increases more predictable.

Sources: PUCO case docket, FirstEnergy filing announcement and Ohio Consumers’ Counsel fact sheet.