Landsman, Reece Call on DeWine to Rein in Energy Costs in Southwest Ohio

Cincinnati, OH - This week, Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) called on Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to act after failing to respond for 60 days to Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece's concerns over Duke Energy's continued rate increases.

In June, Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece sent a letter to Governor Mike DeWine regarding continued rate increases from Duke Energy and the financial strain it's putting on Southwest Ohio families.

Reece's letter requested three action items, and after 60 days without a response, Landsman followed up asking Governor DeWine to consider Reece's request reading, in part:

"Commissioner Reece calls on your administration to take immediate action by establishing a moratorium on additional utility rate increases and urges your Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) appointees to prevent rate increases. In addition, she asks for an additional $1 million to Hamilton County to assist residents with their utility costs. I'd like to express my support for taking these actions…

"There is a time for rate increases, but this is arguably the worst possible time for such an increase."

Congressman Landsman:

"Local folks need help. At a time when families are already paying more for gas, groceries, healthcare - they shouldn't have to worry about another big bill. We have to act now before it gets worse."

Commissioner Reece:

"On June 18, 2026, I wrote Governor DeWine on behalf of the residents of Hamilton County to call for a moratorium on any additional electric rate increases as so many working families are struggling economically. Over 38,000 residents in Southwest Ohio have had their electric disconnected due to increased costs. This is an urgent matter and warrants immediate attention. Affordability is the number one issue."

Read Landsman's full letter HERE.

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