About AEP Ohio
AEP Ohio is a subsidiary of American Electric Power, a utility company that serves 5.5 million customers in 11 states. In the Buckeye State, AEP Ohio serves 1.5 million customers, including many in Columbus, Athens, and Canton.
If you live in the AEP service area in Ohio, you can buy electricity directly from the utility, or you can search for a competitive rate from another energy supplier. With Choose Energy, you can easily compare AEP’s cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) with other providers and make a choice that works for you. Enter your ZIP code to get started.
AEP Ohio electricity rates
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 7/12/2025, 6:36:32 AM CDT for ZIP Code 43004. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
*All pricing shown in cents per kWh
Understanding deregulation in Ohio
Ohio began deregulating its energy market in 1999, allowing private retail suppliers to sell power. Nearly half of Ohio customers had switched to a retail supplier by 2017. Although the term may be confusing, “deregulation” simply means that you have the power to choose from a variety of suppliers rather than having to buy your electricity or natural gas from your utility company.
Since there are numerous suppliers and rate plan options, it’s important to compare AEP energy rates to those offered by other companies to determine what’s best for your home or business. It’s also important to understand that deregulation does not mean no oversight. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is responsible for monitoring and regulating utility companies and retail suppliers. You can contact the Commission at 1-800-686-7826 about any issues with your service or energy pricing.
If you have more questions about deregulation, you’re in the right place. At Choose Energy, we’re committed to offering all the resources you need to understand deregulation and to helping you choose the rate plan and supplier that make the most sense for you. We’ll teach you:
What is AEP Ohio’s price to compare?
If you live in AEP Ohio’s service area and don’t select a retail energy provider, you will receive your electricity supply from AEP electric. Ohio, like all states with deregulation, makes it easy to compare rates by requiring utility companies to list their basic generation rates as a “price to compare.” As of the first quarter of 2023, the basic AEP cost per kWh was 6.74 cents per kWh.
You may be able to secure a more affordable rate in Ohio by switching to a local supplier. Enter your ZIP code to compare rates and find a plan that works for you.
Difference between a utility and a supplier
If you’re new to energy deregulation, you may be surprised to learn the difference between a utility and a supplier. Though you buy your power through your supplier, the utility company physically delivers it to you. In Ohio, you can choose to buy from a range of retail suppliers or directly from your utility company.
AEP Ohio is a utility company as well as a provider for those who don’t select a retail supplier. As a utility company, AEP Ohio also maintains the infrastructure and power lines, so that’s who you should call in case of an outage.
Providers available in AEP Ohio’s service area
Regardless of your local utility in Ohio, you can choose from a variety of electric and gas providers. For those in the AEP service area, common suppliers include Direct Energy, Public Power, and Frontier Utilities. Based on where you live, you may have additional options for suppliers and plan types, including green energy and business energy plans.
Choose Energy makes it easy to find energy suppliers in your area. Our free, independent marketplace shows you plans from providers near you, along with all-inclusive rates, reviews, and monthly bill estimates. You can explore a variety of plan types — or even find plans based on renewable energy — and sign up in minutes.
For a list of retail suppliers in your neighborhood, enter your ZIP code. Explore our energy buying guide for more help with choosing a plan.
Contact AEP Ohio
To report outages or to ask questions regarding your rates and bill if AEP Ohio is also your supplier, here’s how to contact the company:
Call customer service at 1-800-672-2231.