DAYTON — A proposed rate increase for AES Ohio customers could see electric bills jump for people across the region. And on Thursday some customers spoke out about the potential increase.
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The proposed rate increase is around 14 percent, which will see an average household pay around $260 dollars more per year on electricity.
>>RELATED: ‘Pretty crazy;’ Family sees electric bill nearly double, AES Ohio asking for rate increase
AES Ohio customers who attended the meeting said they’re worried the rate hike is more about company profits.
“For me, (the rate hike) not the end of the world. I can take care of my bill, but I know that there are people that can’t, and that’s my main concern,” Dequana Dunnigan told News Center 7’s Malik Patterson on News Center 7 at 5:30.
“We have to prioritize people over profit, and oftentimes people are lost in our pursuit of profit.”
Dunnigan was one of a handful of people who attended Thursday’s public hearing in the city commission chambers at Dayton City Hall.
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An AES Ohio spokesperson said the rate increases are necessary to upgrade the company’s existing infrastructure while also rebuilding areas damaged by storms.
“Upgrading our infrastructure, because you need that to reliably serve the new customers coming in, existing customers,” Mary Ann Kabel, AES Ohio spokesperson said.
The money from the rate increases will also go to fund supplies and equipment needed for infrastructure upgrades and repairs from storm damage.
Another public meeting will be held August 14 in Dayton.
This is a developing story and this page will be updated.
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