A higher rate for Duke Energy electricity went into effect Sunday. The cost is now $0.1045 per per kilowatt hour, up nearly 2 and a half cents per kWh, effective June 1.

While no one is happy to hear about rising rates, there are steps you can take to keep your bill under control.

"I would just encourage consumers to watch their bills, to conserve electricity, [and] to be careful with their energy choices," said J.P. Blackwood, public affairs liaison for the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, a state agency that advocates for rate payers.

Should you switch providers?

Ohioans have the option to shop for a different electricity provider. Blackwood says that could save you money in some cases, but most of the time it ends up being more expensive than staying with the standard service provider.

Sub

See Full Page