Compare Ohio Electric Rates & Prices

In Ohio’s deregulated market, consumers can receive electricity from either their utility or an independent energy supplier. If you don’t choose a provider, you’ll be automatically enrolled in a default plan and rate with your utility, called the Price to Compare (PTC). The following are the PTC electricity rates in Ohio offered by the state’s major utility companies.

• Ohio’s average residential electricity rate is currently 16.12 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Ohio electric rates are about 5.8% cheaper than the national average of 17.11 cents per kWh.
• The latest commercial electricity rate in Ohio is 11.25 cents per kWh. This average is 15.2% lower than the national average of 13.27 cents per kWh.

When exploring energy options in Ohio, you’ll find a few different types of plans available. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types to know when picking a plan. Be sure to review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) of any plan you are considering to understand the details before signing up.

• Fixed-rate plans: A fixed-rate plan keeps your rate the same for the duration of your contract, typically lasting 12 to 36 months. These plans are ideal if you’re looking for long-term predictability in your monthly bill. Ending your contract early will likely result in an early termination fee (ETF). However, you won’t have to pay an ETF if you move outside your provider’s service area.
• Variable-rate plans: With a variable-rate plan, your Ohio electricity rate will fluctuate monthly based on the market price of energy. Your bills can increase during times of high energy demand and decrease when demand is low. Because variable-rate plans don’t require a contract, you won’t incur an ETF if you switch to another plan. If you’re looking for the flexibility to change plans whenever you need, due to frequent moves or a short-term rental, consider a variable-rate plan.
• Prepaid and no-deposit plans: Some electric companies in Ohio require a deposit to enroll in a plan. If you have a good credit score, they may waive the deposit. Another way to avoid a deposit would be to sign up for a no-deposit electricity plan. A common no-deposit option is a prepaid energy plan. These plans allow you to pay upfront for your service and refill your account as needed.
• Renewable energy plans: Green energy plans in Ohio include electricity generated from renewable sources like solar power, wind energy, and hydropower. You can find competitive and affordable green energy plans in Ohio.

Ohio business owners can also enjoy the benefits of deregulated energy. As a business owner, you can compare commercial electricity rates and plan to find the best fit for your business. Don’t settle for the default plan — find one tailored to your business needs. Fill out our business energy form or call the number on your screen to get a quote for your business.

Ohio deregulated its energy market back in 2001 to remove energy monopolies and expand competitive energy choices for residents and businesses.

Ohio’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) monitors regulations and rates to ensure utility services are priced fairly for Ohio residents. Before deregulation, energy supply and delivery were combined into one cost. After deregulation, the state’s electric and gas utilities were separated.

Ohio electricity consumers can save on their bills by securing a cheap rate from an energy supplier. You can enter your ZIP code on Choose Energy’s marketplace today to browse for affordable energy plans and up-to-date rates in Ohio.

Energy suppliers in Ohio

In deregulated energy markets, energy suppliers sell electricity plans to consumers. Your supplier manages your account and sends your monthly energy bill. Ohio residents can enact their electric choice and pick from a variety of suppliers. Here are a few suppliers with the best electric rates in Ohio you can pick from:

• Direct Energy
• Constellation Energy
• Discount Power

Utility providers in Ohio

In Ohio’s deregulated market, your utility company delivers electricity to your home or business, maintains power lines, and restores service during outages. Your utility company is determined by your address, so you cannot change it. According to Ohio’s deregulation laws, you can purchase electricity from your utility company. Many Ohio utility companies are subsidiaries of four larger national energy companies:

• AES (AES Ohio, formerly Dayton Power & Light)
• American Electric Power (AEP Ohio, includes Ohio Power and Columbus Southern Power)
• Duke Energy
• FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, and The Illuminating Company)

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average monthly residential electricity bill in Ohio is $130.73. This bill is calculated using the EIA’s average Ohio electric rate of 16.12 cents per kWh and the typical monthly energy usage of 811 kWh. Ohio residents currently pay slightly cheaper electric bills than the national average, which is $146.21 per month.

Choose Energy is an independent marketplace that makes it easy for customers in deregulated states to navigate the energy industry. We work with the best electricity suppliers in Ohio to help you find reliable service and a cheap electric rate. Here’s how the process works:

• Enter your ZIP code. We’ll show you today’s cheapest electric rates in Ohio and help you compare plans in your area. Our marketplace is free to use, so you won’t pay anything to browse and compare plans.
• Choose a plan. Once you’ve found a plan you like, you can sign up online or over the phone in just a few minutes.
• Enjoy your choice. Your new Ohio energy supplier handles the setup without interruption to your service. Contact your supplier if you have questions about your plan or monthly bill.

What is a good price per kWh in Ohio?

You can easily find energy prices cheaper than the state average using the Choose Energy marketplace. Currently, the lowest Ohio energy price on our marketplace is 6.5 cents per kWh from Clearview Energy. Electricity rates can change frequently — enter your ZIP code to explore the latest rates in your area today.

How can I lower my electric bill?

To lower your electric bill, consider using energy-efficient appliances, performing routine maintenance on your HVAC system, unplugging unused devices, and replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lighting. You can also switch to an energy provider with a lower electricity rate on the Choose Energy marketplace.

Is a deposit required for my energy plan?

When signing up for energy service, electric suppliers in Ohio may ask for a deposit from customers with low credit scores. If you’d prefer to skip the deposit, consider a no-deposit energy plan. Enter your ZIP code and filter for “all credit approved” options to explore no-deposit plans in your area.

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is a digital device that tracks and collects data on how much electricity or gas you use in your home. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters send data digitally to your utility company. They allow your utility to remotely read your meter without a physical visit. Smart meters can measure a customer’s energy usage more accurately than traditional meters.

Can I switch my electric plan if I’m unhappy with my service?

Yes, you can switch your energy plan in deregulated areas like Ohio. Read your EFL to learn if your provider charges a fee for cancelling your plan early. Our marketplace can help you switch plans by comparing new options and signing up for a better plan.