In 2024, PJM Interconnection, held an auction that resulted in dramatically higher capacity prices. Which means that come June 2025 higher electric bills for residential and commercial customers on the Ohio electric grid.
Capacity is the generation fee from power plants to ensure electricity on days of high demand, like hot or cold days. Even higher demand for electricity, driven by economic and population growth, greater use of devices combined with extreme weather patterns.
Expect for the average household, to increase for the capacity component to around 2 cents more per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or up to 15% for the next 3 to 5 years until incremental electricity generation capacity is added. PJM is working on battery energy storage systems and addressing issues with recent power outages.
Renewable energy contributes to a cleaner environment and can help with the higher cost. Adding wind or solar power, invest in energy-efficient appliances/lighting, install smart thermostats, improve home insulation and sealing any drafts will keep your bill lower. Always turning off or unplugging items when not in use can make a difference.
It’s possible that we could receive the new rates within a week or two. Enrollment letters have already gone out to eligible customers regarding taking no action to enroll in NOPEC’s Standard Program Price option with no disruption of service during the switch.
A representative from NOPEC, Tony Ramos, will be at the Massillon Senior Center April 9th starting at 11am to answer any questions or concerns you may have with their aggregation plan. Not to worry if you can’t make this meeting because Mr. Ramos will also be available for inquiries at the Massillon Recreation Center on April 10th from 4-6pm. If you miss both events the NOPEC representative will be on the Mayor’s MCTV interview airing May 15th.