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If your electric bill has given you some sticker shock this summer, you’re not imagining things — and it’s not just because your air conditioner has been running steady.
Behind the scenes, a complex energy system is quietly driving up costs. Last year’s electricity auction, which sets the price utilities must pay to guarantee backup power is available the next three years, set record prices. Ohioans recently started seeing rate increases averaging 10-15%, according to a regional energy council.
What’s more, this year’s auction just went higher — which means another round of increases is coming. But there’s some good news with that too. The increases that will start showing up in electric bills in June 2026 are expected to be between 1.5-5%.
The price hike goes beyond hot summers. It’s also tied to increased demand for electricity, fueled by the growth of data centers and artificial intelligence.
-Kristen Davis
Overnight Scores and Weather
Guardians vs. Royals: Kansas City rookie contains Cleveland as Guardians fall, 4-1, to KC.
Northeast Ohio weather forecast: Check out the latest forecast for Northeast Ohio
Top Stories
Surging electricity prices: If your electricity bill feels unusually steep this summer, rising temperatures aren’t the only reason, writes Anna Staver. A record-breaking auction in the wholesale electricity market last year set higher prices for future supply. And another financial heatwave is on the horizon.
Weaponization in government: Jim Jordan, a Champaign (Ohio) County Republican who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, defends the Trump administration’s actions as fulfilling campaign promises. Democrats, however, point to a pattern of targeting political opponents across multiple federal agencies, reports Sabrina Eaton.
Political bribery: Former Cincinnati City Council member PG Sittenfeld is trying to get his corruption conviction overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, despite receiving a pardon by President Donald Trump. If the justices accept Sittenfeld’s arguments, they would rewrite decades-old legal precedent for what constitutes political bribery in America, writes Jeremy Pelzer.
Apartment explosion aftermath: Ordinary life in Cleveland’s Kinsman neighborhood came apart in an instant in late June when a fire rocked Rainbow Terrace Apartments. What followed was chaos, heroism, heartbreak—and for more than 120 residents—loss beyond measure, writes Olivia Mitchell.
Statehouse and Politics
Mayoral gathering: Democratic mayors gathered in Cleveland to discuss local leadership and challenges, Mary Frances McGowan reports. The Democratic Mayors Association summit focused on community solutions amid national political chaos.
FirstEnergy scandal: Ohio utility regulators are nearing a decision on FirstEnergy’s punishment for the HB6 corruption scandal. Jeremy Pelzer details the investigations focusing on improper customer fees, questionable payments, and corporate separation requirements.
Taxes: Vice President JD Vance will visit Canton to promote the Trump administration’s tax legislation. Sabrina Eaton reports the bill cuts taxes, boosts border security, and reduces social program spending, with potential deficit increases of $3.4 trillion over a decade.
Climate change costs: Ohio cities face billions in potential expenses from climate change impacts, including infrastructure upgrades, public health challenges, and flood mitigation. Peter Krouse highlights that local governments may spend between $1.8 and $5.9 billion by 2050 to address these environmental challenges.
Northeast Ohio News
Ohio marijuana tax: Recreational marijuana sales have generated $55 million in taxes, but Ohio cities hosting dispensaries haven’t received their promised 36% share. Sean McDonnell reports that state lawmakers have repeatedly delayed distributing the funds due to legal technicalities, leaving municipalities waiting for their expected revenue.
Lake Erie: Peter Krouse writes about a raw sewage overflow at Edgewater Beach, where 4.9 million gallons of combined storm and sanitary sewage poured into Lake Erie during a 25-minute period on Thursday night. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District will conduct extensive water quality testing.
Native plants: Northeast Ohio homeowners are increasingly replacing traditional grass lawns with native plant landscapes, viewing it as more than just a trend. Peter Krouse writes about the growing movement to create more sustainable, ecosystem-friendly residential gardens.
Business and Health
Lakewood power problem:The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio issued a letter of “probable non-compliance” to FirstEnergy regarding frequent power outages in Lakewood.Cory Shaffer highlightsthe potential for daily fines up to $10,000 if the company does not address equipment maintenance and communication issues.
Crime and Courts
Mayfield Heights shooting: Authorities have charged three people, including two adults and a minor, in connection with the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old at a Mayfield Heights apartment complex. Lucas Daprile reports that the incident occurred after witnesses heard arguing followed by gunfire.
Murder charge: A Cleveland woman, Dy’mond Vaden, has been charged with murder after her boyfriend’s body was discovered wrapped in a bed sheet in the Huron River months after he was reported missing. David Gambino reports that prosecutors linked Vaden to the crime through DNA evidence and phone records.
Attorney appointment: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has appointed career federal prosecutor Dave Toepfer as the U.S. attorney in northern Ohio, Adam Ferrise reports. The move means Toepfer will lead the federal prosecutor’s office based in Cleveland for at least 120 days.
Honoring Lorain Police: The Lorain community gathered Thursday evening to show support for the wounded officers and honor the life of Lorain Police Officer Phillip Wagner, who was killed in an ambush, Hannah Drown reports.
Mother’s lawsuit: The mother of Antwoina Carter has filed a lawsuit against two Cleveland police officers who shot at her daughter’s car during a chaotic and deadly incident last year, David Gambino reports. The lawsuit claims emotional distress, even though the officers’ bullets did not cause Carter’s death.
Arts and Entertainment
Beer names: The U.S. Open Beer Championship judges have compiled a list of the top 10 best-named beers, reports Marc Bona. Two Northeast Ohio breweries, Muskellunge Brewing Co. and Sibling Revelry Brewing, made the list with creative beer names like “Frankenfish Forschungbier” and “Olly Olly Gluten Free.”
Help wanted: Peter Chakerian invites readers to share their favorite local food memories for the “Classic CLE Eats & Drinks” series. Readers are encouraged to submit unique, micro-regional food stories that capture the essence of Cleveland’s culinary landscape.
Rock Hall: Hip-hop legend KRS-One will bring his cultural insights to Northeast Ohio, writes Malcolm Abram. He will present an abridged “Introduction to Hip Hop” lecture at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and perform a high-energy set at Lock 3 Park in Akron, showcasing his commitment to preserving hip-hop culture.
Friendly competition: Cleveland Heights and University Heights restaurants are competing in a reader-voted competition, reported by Peter Chakerian and Yadi Rodriguez. Readers can vote for their favorite dining establishments, with Voodoo Brewery currently leading the poll, and the top restaurants will be visited and featured in a future article.
Hot dog: Glizzys hot dog stand is teaming up with Paramount Pictures for a “Naked Gun”-themed menu and movie ticket giveaway, reports Alex Darus. The promotion features five specialty hot dogs with creative names, coinciding with the film’s August 1 release, and offers customers a chance to win free movie tickets.
Cleveland Curse: Bay Village resident Dave Eifert has written a speculative fiction novel called “Cleveland Curse” exploring the Cleveland Browns’ historical struggles, reports Peter Chakerian. The book, the first in a planned trilogy, blends reality and fiction to examine the franchise’s long-standing challenges.
Cedar Point pass: Cedar Point is offering a special multi-park access deal for the 2025-2026 season, writes Joey Morona. Anyone purchasing a Gold or Prestige season pass between July 31 and September 1 will receive unlimited admission to Cedar Point and over 40 Six Flags parks across North America, with the all-parks add-on included for free.
Air show: The Great Lakes Science Center is offering unique Air Show viewing experiences during Labor Day weekend, reports Paris Wolfe. Visitors can enjoy the show from the deck of the historic Steamship William G. Mather or participate in a picnic on the museum’s terrace.
Mac and cheese: Cleveland.com’s “Best of Cleveland” team conducted an extensive taste test of 55 frozen mac and cheese varieties, with Yadi Rodriguez and Peter Chakerian highlighting Rao’s Made for Home Four Cheese Pasta Bake as the top pick.
You’re all caught up
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— Curated by content director Laura Johnston with contributions by Cliff Pinckard.
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