WARREN, Ohio - During a public utilities meeting in Warren on Tuesday, Third Ward Councilman Greg Greathouse invited Tony Ramos, the relationship manager of the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC), to explain the reasons behind the increase in electric rates.

"What residents are going to experience starting in June of this year is a result of capacity auctions that occurred last June through our grid operator, PJM." Ramos told 21 News. 

PJM is the operator of the electric grid that serves 13 states, including Ohio, and holds auctions to set the capacity charge portion of a customer's electric bill.

Ramos said NOPEC customers could see a 10 to 15 % increase on their bills for the next 3 to 5 years.

The primary drivers for these higher prices include increased electricity demand, reduced supply, and recent reforms in PJM's capacity market.

To help offset rising costs, NOPEC recommends the following tips: unplug electronics when they are not in use; wash clothes in cold water to save up to $60 per year; use LED light bulbs; turn your air conditioning down by two degrees; and utilize a ceiling fan.