How Rising Energy Costs Could Cost the Average Ohio Family Over $300,000

October 21, 2025

How Rising Energy Costs Could Cost the Average Ohio Family Over $300,000 — And How Solar Changes Everything

The Hidden Cost of Doing Nothing

Electric rates in Ohio have risen steadily over the past several years — about 8% annually on average. For most families, that increase shows up quietly on the monthly bill, but over time, it adds up to something much bigger.

Based on today’s average rate of $0.18 per kWh and typical Ohio household usage of 15,000 kWh per year, here’s what “staying with the utility” really costs:

5 years: ≈ $15,000 paid to your utility

10 years: ≈ $40,000 paid to your utility

30 years: ≈ $305,000 paid to your utility

That’s $305,000 you’ll never see again — money that could have gone toward your family, your home, or your future.

Solar Turns a Bill Into an Investment

Installing solar changes the math completely. Instead of paying an ever-increasing electric bill, you’re investing in a power system that generates clean electricity for decades — dramatically reducing or even eliminating what you owe to the utility.

And the financial benefits don’t stop there. According to SolarReviews (2025), homes with solar sell for an average of 6.9% more than comparable homes without it. That means the value you add to your property can further offset your initial investment.

The Bottom Line

Electric rates will continue to rise. Solar gives you the power to lock in your costs, reduce your long-term expenses, and increase your home’s value — all at the same time.

Every year you wait, the utility bill gets higher. Every year you go solar, those dollars stay in your pocket.