Southwest Ohio households enter the winter heating season with mixed fuel-cost forecasts while Duke Energy seeks higher electric and natural gas distribution rates. The proposed increases require approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and should not be treated as charges already in effect.

Winter fuel forecasts

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2026-27 Winter Fuels Outlook projects that Midwest households primarily heating with natural gas will spend an average of $613 from November through March, 10% less than the previous winter. The national forecast is $640, down 9%.

For Midwest homes primarily heating with electricity, EIA forecasts average winter expenditures of $1,380, up 3%. Nationally, the forecast is $1,196, up 4%. These are regional and national estimates, not predictions of an individual Duke customer’s bill.

Two separate rate requests

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel’s electric-rate alert says Duke’s proposal would raise a typical customer’s distribution charge by 38%, nearly $18 a month, if approved as filed. It identifies the electric case as 26-0132-EL-AIR and says new rates would take effect in 2027.

FOX19 reported Duke’s estimate of about $8 more a month for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours. OCC’s distribution-charge estimate and Duke’s reported overall bill estimate describe different measures of the proposal’s effect; they should not be added together.

In the separate natural gas case, 26-0635-GA-AIR, OCC estimates that a residential customer using 10 Mcf a month would pay more than $24 extra monthly if Duke’s filing is approved unchanged. Duke also proposes a $164 reconnection fee, $94 above the current fee.

Distribution is the delivery portion of the bill. It is distinct from the cost of the electricity or gas itself, which is why a lower regional fuel forecast does not necessarily mean a lower total bill.

Electric-case public hearings

FOX19 lists three December hearings where residents can give testimony:

  • Dec. 1, 6 p.m.: MidPointe Library Community Room, 125 South Broad St., Middletown.
  • Dec. 10, 12:30 p.m.: Cincinnati City Hall Council Chambers, Room 300, 801 Plum St.
  • Dec. 10, 6 p.m.: Hamilton Municipal Building Council Chambers, 345 High St., Hamilton.

Residents can follow filings and scheduling updates in the PUCO electric-case docket.

Where to seek bill assistance

The Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency offers Winter Crisis assistance for eligible households facing disconnection, already disconnected, needing to establish or transfer service, or running low on bulk heating fuel. Its page lists an income threshold of 175% of the federal poverty guidelines; ask the agency for the current dollar limits and required documents.

For appointments, call 513-685-4478. CAA lists option 1 for a 28-day appointment and option 2 for a same-day appointment, with phone scheduling Monday through Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m.

The state’s energy assistance application page says crisis-program applicants can start online but must arrange an appointment with their local provider. It also notes that Ohio’s energy assistance programs moved to the Department of Job and Family Services on April 6, 2026.

OCC’s utility assistance guide lists Duke among utilities participating in the Dollar Energy Fund’s Ohio Utility Assistance Program, with up to $300 per utility for qualifying households. Eligibility, disconnection requirements and available funds must be confirmed with the program administrator.