COLUMBUS, OH (WOWO) The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio held a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed 2% rate increase for AEP Ohio customers. The utility requested the hike to cover expenses including maintenance of power poles and line worker salaries.

Dozens of people spoke during the hearing, including Jennifer Adair, a member of the Columbus City Schools Board of Education. Adair said higher utility costs affect more than residential customers according to NBC-4.

“Public schools are not for profit. We cannot raise prices or choose our customers. When utility costs rise faster than our revenues, our only options are to cut staff, cut services, or go back to our voters to ask for higher local taxes,” Adair said.

PUCO has scheduled an evidentiary hearing in January 2026 to review the proposal in detail. A final decision on the rate increase is expected in the spring of 2026.

AEP Ohio says the increase is necessary to maintain infrastructure and ensure safe and reliable service. The utility emphasizes that the rate adjustment will help support essential operations including line maintenance and employee compensation.

The public hearing provided a forum for residents, schools, and other stakeholders to express concerns before the commission issues a ruling.