Energy Updates in Cincinnati: Rising Costs and Taking Steps Towards Efficiency 

Across the city, many homeowners, renters, and businesses are seeing significant increases in their electricity bills. As Duke Energy shared in their most recent customer notice, energy prices are going up primarily due to two interconnected factors: rising capacity costs and wholesale electricity costs. Capacity costs are the fees utility companies pay to ensure enough energy is available for all customers during high-demand periods, especially during extreme heat or extreme cold. In the most recent capacity auction, prices increased by over 833%, marking the sharpest spike in recent years. In addition, wholesale electricity costs continue to climb. Both of these increases can be attributed to rising inflation, the increasing cost of fuel and maintenance at power plants, and expanding demand from large electricity users, like data centers. 

The Office of Environment & Sustainability remains committed to building a long-term clean energy future that supports both affordability and sustainability as a part of the 2023 Green Cincinnati Plan (GCP). 

The City of Cincinnati has various initiatives to support residents during this time: 

Electric Aggregation Program & Energy Choice 

Cincinnati’s Electric Aggregation Program offers residents a stable, vetted alternative to Duke Energy’s standard electricity pricing. While current market trends have led to higher rates across all providers, the City continues to monitor the market closely and advocate for fair, competitive energy prices for our residents. Learn more about the City’s Electric Aggregation Program here. If the City’s Aggregation Program does not meet your needs, residents can explore and compare rates to find the best fit. For more information about Energy Choice Ohio, check out this video or go directly to the Energy Choice Ohio Site. 

WarmUp Cincy 

WarmUp Cincy exists to increase household savings, safety, health, and comfort for the residents most vulnerable to high energy costs, including low-income residents, communities of color, and renters by incentivizing upgrades and energy use behavior change. Check out our WarmUp Cincy page to learn more about current program offerings and partners. 

Electrify Cincy 

Electrify Cincy is a community education effort that supports Cincinnatians to accelerate home and business electrification to help create more stable, comfortable, and healthy lives. The primary focus of the effort is educating building owners to prepare buildings through weatherization and to make the transition household appliances that provide heating, cooling, cooking, and more powered by electricity from increasingly renewable sources. Visit the Electrify Cincy site to learn more.  

Going Solar Guide 

Transitioning to solar energy is one way that the City of Cincinnati and its residents can help reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuels and save money in the long-run on energy costs. Check out the Solar Landing Page for information about costs, installation, permits, contractors, and more.  

Cooling /Warming Centers 

When an extreme heat or cold advisory is issued, all Cincinnati Recreation Centers are open during normal hours to be used as warming or cooling centers. You can find all Cincinnati Recreation Centers here with their hours of operation. Residents are also encouraged to check out a local library branch for access to cooling or heating when needed for health and safety. 

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As a renter, homeowner, landlord, or business owner, there are ways you can take action to make your space more efficient and affordable. 

 

Energy-Saving Tips 

Whether it's setting your thermostat higher when you leave the house, washing clothes in cold water, or using ceiling fans to cool down a room, there are lots of ways to use less energy. Check out these energy tip flyers for more ways to save energy. Need help paying your energy bill? Check out this packet of support programs. 

Energy Efficiency for Landlords and Property Owners 

Keeping up maintenance on rental properties is the easiest way to help landlords and their tenants keep their energy bills low.  

• Make sure outdoor air conditioner units are free from overgrown grass and debris 

• Ensure vents are open and unobstructed to allow cool air to circulate 

• Adjust ductwork to allow for maximum airflow 

• Schedule maintenance checks for HVAC systems to replace air filters, make sure the system is cleaned and calibrated, and check that humidifiers or dehumidifiers are working properly 

• And share education resources with tenants to help them understand how to conserve energy! 

Energy Efficiency Upgrades 

If you want to make some energy efficiency upgrades to your space, consider upgrades that give you the most bang for your buck like insulation and air sealing, or ductwork repair. When switching to a new appliance, make sure it is Energy Star certified so you know you are getting the most efficient models.  

What about tax credits and incentives? 

The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," passed by a Republican-led Congress and signed into law by President Trump, eliminates popular federal home energy tax credits years earlier than planned. But there is still limited time to act before the new deadlines! Rewiring America has a great guide to walk residents through what credits are available and for how long. Businesses interested in upgrades can apply for Ohio PACE financing to support bringing their energy efficiency projects to life. 

 

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If you are a community council, neighborhood group, or concerned resident, don't hesitate to reach out. OES staff are happy to present to communities, answer 1-1 questions, or help you get connected with resources that can help. Just email oes@cincinnati-oh.gov and you will be connected to the most applicable staff member.