Duke Energy electric bills skyrocket after cold month, reasons date back to last summer - WKRC TV Cincinnati

Duke Energy electric bills skyrocket after cold month, reasons date back to last summer

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Tracey Bolser and her husband live in this out-of-the-way home in Butler County's Milford Township.

She said that they only use a wood stove and occasionally baseboard heaters to warm their house.

So, Bolser was shocked when she opened her February Duke Energy bill. It was about $320 dollars, up from last year's $150. This came after they had already seen previous increases through November and December as well.

"We're talking about getting part time jobs just to try to get ahead of these bills,” said Bolser. “You know, I'm trying to you know, we've got stuff. We're a marketplace, we're trying to sell stuff. My husband is trying to pick up extra work after his regular job."

Local 12 Weather Authority's Eric DoBroka looked up this winter's average temperatures. January was about average given the cold snap the Tri-State experienced. But November, December, and this February have so far been the warmest on record by way of average temperatures.

Local 12 asked Duke Energy spokesman Jeff Brooks the following:

"How do you explain people seeing higher bills when they're using less energy and it's much warmer out for the winter?"

"The main increase that's raised the bill has been the increase around the supply costs and those costs are passed on straight through to customers,” said Brooks. “Those aren't costs that we make money on, but it sort of reflects that fuel costs have been up over the last year.

Brooks said that Duke has raised overall power rates by 30% after the annual Ohio auction last summer. That’s part of Ohio’s deregulated system that allows providers to bid on electricity once a year and set rates. People are really starting to take notice now after using their furnaces more in January.

Duke also increased how much it charges to deliver that electricity across its lines. So, even if you get it from a different provider under Ohio's deregulated system, those rates increased, meaning higher bills.

"If December looks like it was statistically milder than December of last year, then I think it's fair to say that the increase is especially in the generation charge. The cost, that 30% increase, really is probably playing a bit of the factor there in what you're seeing on your bill,” Brooks said. “When you get to January, you have to acknowledge that the usage is combined."

Six different companies--including Duke – supply power to residential customers. The companies all bid for that electricity once a year in the summer. So, we won't know if Ohio customers will get any breaks in those energy costs until then.

Here are some ways to contest your bill:

First, you can visit the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's website. There, you'll find info on how to try to resolve the issue with the power company. There's also instructions on how to file a formal complaint if you can't resolve the matter. Finally, the site shows you how to request a meter reading to make sure it's accurate and updated.

Also, if the bill is accurate and you have trouble paying the full amount, PUCO has information on how you can apply for an installment plan or a due date extension.

Here are some links from Duke Energy for help with different aspects of your billing: