The U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) 2026-27 Winter Fuels Outlook projects Midwest households heating with natural gas will spend about 10% less this season than last. Lower fuel prices and temperatures similar to last year are the main drivers. Nationally, natural gas-heated homes can expect to pay an average of $640 over the five-month heating season, down 9%.

The outlook is worse for electric heat. The EIA forecasts a 4% increase in winter electricity bills nationally, driven by a 3% rise in residential electricity prices. Midwest electric-heated homes face a projected seasonal cost of $1,380, up 3%.

Duke and Columbia Gas seek higher rates

Duke Energy filed a proposed electric distribution rate increase with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). The utility said the increase would add about $8 per month for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours, Local 12 reported in June. Duke spokesperson Matt Martin called it a 4.5% overall bill impact.

In a consumer alert, the OCC said distribution charges alone could rise nearly $8.32 per month. Kathryn Metz, senior outreach and education specialist for the OCC, told Local 12 that Duke's $8 estimate blends distribution with transmission and generation costs.

If approved, the electric rate hike would take effect in 2027. PUCO will hold public hearings first. Three are scheduled for December, as Fox 19 reported:

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

Duke also has a pending natural gas distribution rate-increase request, according to Local 12. OCC says the pending proposal would add more than $24 monthly for a typical residential customer using 10 Mcf and increase the reconnection fee to $164.

On the gas side, Columbia proposed increases beginning in 2028, subject to PUCO approval, the Columbus Dispatch reported. Base rates would jump $14.79 to $68.05 per month in 2028, another $5.11 in 2029 and $4.41 more in 2030. Columbia Gas serves nearly 1.5 million customers across 61 of Ohio's 88 counties. A PUCO decision is not expected until summer 2027, according to a PUCO spokesperson quoted by the Dispatch.

Separately, Duke Energy Ohio's residential electricity supply price rose from 10.0819 cents per kilowatt-hour to 10.7016 cents on June 1, according to ElectricityRates.com. That amounts to roughly $6.20 more per month for a customer using 1,000 kWh, but only apply to customers on Duke’s Standard Service Offer.

How to apply for energy assistance

Ohio's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) applications for the 2026-2027 season are open through May 31, 2027, according to BenefitsUSA and the Ohio LIHEAP state plan. Key details:

  • Income limit: Household income at or below 175% of federal poverty guidelines. That is $27,930 per year for one person, $37,870 for two, $47,810 for three and $57,750 for four.
  • Regular HEAP: A one-time credit applied to your heating bill. Open July 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.
  • Winter Crisis Program: Emergency help for households facing disconnection or with less than 25% of a tank of bulk fuel. Open Nov. 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. Requires an appointment with your county's Energy Assistance Provider.
  • PIPP Plus: Gas-heated households pay 5% of gross monthly household income for gas and 5% for electricity. Electric-heated households pay 10% for electricity. A $10 minimum monthly payment applies.
  • How to apply: Online at energyhelp.ohio.gov, or in person at your local Energy Assistance Provider.

Ohio has no asset test for HEAP. Savings, retirement accounts and homeownership do not disqualify applicants, according to BenefitsUSA.

Duke customers have extra options

The Ohio Consumers' Counsel lists Duke Energy's Share the Light program, which provides up to $1,500. Eligibility is based on need, and customers can apply every other year. Duke customers in Clermont and Warren counties should contact their local Salvation Army at 1-800-725-2769.

The Dollar Energy Fund's Ohio Utility Assistance Program covers Duke Energy, Columbia Gas and other utilities. It provides up to $300 per utility for households with income between 175% and 250% of federal poverty guidelines. The program runs Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, or until funds run out.

County crisis funding is limited. BenefitsUSA noted that when Winter Crisis money for a county runs low, agencies stop scheduling appointments.