Key Takeaways
- The Energy Choice Program empowers Ohio residents to access a diverse array of electricity suppliers, potentially leading to significant savings on their energy bills through increased competition and personalized plan options.
- Ohio's 2001 deregulation fundamentally transformed the state's energy landscape, opening up the market to competition and giving consumers the power to choose their electricity suppliers while maintaining the reliability of utility-managed infrastructure.
- Ohio's energy market offers a range of plan options to suit different needs and preferences, from stable fixed-rate plans that provide predictable costs to flexible variable-rate options that can take advantage of market fluctuations.
- Ohio businesses can leverage the Energy Choice Program to optimize their energy costs through customized plans. This could potentially lead to significant savings and allow companies to allocate resources more efficiently.
Table of Contents
- Ohio's Energy Landscape
- Understanding Deregulation in Ohio
- Energy Choice: Empowering Consumers
- Ohio's Price to Compare: Your Benchmark for Savings
- PUCO and the Apples to Apples Comparison Tool
- Utilities vs. Suppliers: Understanding the Players
- Types of Electricity Plans
- Sustainable Energy in Ohio
- Energy Solutions for Businesses
- Finding Your Ideal Electricity Provider
- Conclusion: Take Control of Your Energy Choices
Ohio’s Energy Landscape
Welcome to Ohio’s dynamic energy market. The Energy Choice program empowers you to select your electricity supplier, offering the potential for significant savings on your monthly bills. This program puts you in control of your energy decisions, allowing you to tailor your electricity plan to your specific needs and preferences.
Understanding Deregulation in Ohio
Ohio’s energy market underwent a significant transformation in 2001 with the introduction of deregulation. This change opened up the electricity market to competition, allowing consumers to choose their energy suppliers while local utilities continued to manage the distribution infrastructure.
Key points about deregulation in Ohio:
- Introduced in 2001 to promote competition and potentially lower prices
- Allows consumers to choose their electricity supplier
- Local utilities continue to manage power lines and infrastructure
- Created the Energy Choice Ohio program to educate consumers about their options
This shift has given Ohioans more control over their energy costs and the types of energy they use, including renewable options. While deregulation has its benefits, it’s important to note that it also requires consumers to be more informed about their choices to maximize potential savings.
Energy Choice: Empowering Consumers
Energy Choice is the cornerstone of Ohio’s deregulated market. This program allows you to select your preferred electricity supplier while your local utility continues to deliver the electricity and maintain the infrastructure. Here’s what you need to know:
- You can choose from a variety of suppliers and plans
- Your local utility still handles power delivery and outages
- Switching suppliers doesn’t interrupt your service
- You can potentially save money by comparing rates and plans
For details about the change to the market, visit this page.
| Plan | Rate Per kWh |
|---|---|
| Clearview Energy Clear Guarantee 9 Plus 9 Months | 4.39¢ Select |
| APG&E True Classic 7 7 Months | 5.78¢ Select |
| Constellation 6 Month Home Power Plan 6 Months | 5.99¢ Select |
| SmartEnergy Green 12 Month Fixed Rate 12 Months | 7.8¢ Select |
| Constellation 24 Month Home Power Plan 24 Months | 8.99¢ Select |
- 100% Renewable Sources
Ohio’s Price to Compare: Your Benchmark for Savings
The Price to Compare (PTC) is a crucial tool for Ohio consumers navigating the Energy Choice market. Here’s what you need to know:
- The PTC is the rate you pay your utility for electricity supply if you don’t choose an alternative supplier
- It’s set by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and changes periodically
- Use the PTC as a benchmark when evaluating offers from alternative suppliers
- If a supplier’s rate is lower than the PTC, you could potentially save money by switching
Remember, the PTC can vary by utility and change over time, so it’s important to stay informed about current rates when making decisions.
The average electricity price in Ohio is 14.33¢ per kWh which ranks 26th among states. Ohio also ranks in the middle of the pack in terms of usage, with average residential usage at 873 kWh a month. The average electricity bill in Ohio is $107.30 per month. 14.12¢ Average Rate per/kWh 873 kWh Average Usage per month $107.30 Average Cost per month HOW DOES THIS COMPARE NATIONALLY? 25th Highest Average Rate 28th Highest Average Usage 38th Highest Average CostAverage Ohio Electricity Costs
Source: Energy Information Administration (EIA)
PUCO and the Apples to Apples Comparison Tool
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) plays a crucial role in Ohio’s energy landscape. As the state’s public utilities regulator, PUCO oversees electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and commercial transportation services. Their mission is to ensure safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services for all Ohioans.
Key responsibilities of PUCO include:
- Regulating utility rates and services
- Promoting competitive utility markets
- Investigating and resolving consumer complaints
- Enforcing safety regulations
- Educating consumers about utility issues
To use the Apples to Apples tool:
1. Visit the PUCO website
2. Navigate to the “Be Informed” section
3. Select “Compare Electric Offers”
4. Choose your utility service area
5. Review and compare the available offers
By utilizing PUCO’s Apples to Apples comparison tool, you can make more informed decisions about your electricity provider, potentially saving money and finding a plan that best suits your needs.
Remember, while the Apples to Apples tool is a valuable resource, it’s just one part of the decision-making process. Consider factors like your energy usage patterns, budget, and preferences for renewable energy when choosing an electricity plan.
Simple Switch, Big Savings
Compare rates from leading providers and make the switch in only a few minutes.
Utilities vs. Suppliers: Understanding the Players
In Ohio’s deregulated market, it’s crucial to understand the roles of utilities and suppliers:
Ohio Utilities
Utilities are responsible for the delivery of electricity and maintenance of infrastructure. Some of the roles they are responsible for:
- Own and maintain power lines, poles, and meters
- Respond to outages and emergencies
- Bill customers for electricity delivery charges
- Provide the Price to Compare for supply
Major utilities in Ohio include:
Ohio Electricity Suppliers
Suppliers compete to provide electricity supply to consumers. They:
- Offer various rate plans and contract terms
- May provide renewable energy options
- Bill customers for electricity supply charges (often through the utility)
Major suppliers in Ohio include:
Remember, while you can choose your supplier, your local utility will always be responsible for delivering your electricity and maintaining the infrastructure.
Types of Electricity Plans
When choosing a supplier, you’ll encounter different types of electricity plans:
- Fixed-Rate Plans: Secure a stable rate for your contract duration, providing predictability in your energy costs.
- Variable-Rate Plans: Rates adjust with market conditions, offering potential savings but with less predictability.
- Indexed Plans: Rates tied to a public index, offering a middle ground between fixed and variable rates.
- Green Energy Plans: Options that support renewable energy production, often at a slight premium.
Consider your budget, risk tolerance, and environmental priorities when selecting a plan.
Sustainable Energy in Ohio
Ohio is committed to a sustainable energy future. Many suppliers offer green energy plans, allowing you to support renewable energy production. These plans may source electricity from:
- Solar farms
- Wind turbines
- Hydroelectric plants
- Biomass facilities
Energy Solutions for Businesses
Ohio businesses can leverage Energy Choice to optimize their energy costs. Benefits include:
- Customized rates based on usage patterns
- Energy bill optimization services
- Flexible contract terms
- Potential for significant savings on operating costs
Learn more on our business electricity rates page.
Finding Your Ideal Electricity Provider
Choosing an electricity provider can be complex, but our platform simplifies the process. We vet providers to ensure transparency and reliability, empowering you to make informed decisions about your energy supply.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Energy Choices
Ohio’s Energy Choice program gives you the power to make informed energy decisions. Whether your priority is cost savings or environmental sustainability, you have options. Don’t settle for the status quo take charge of your energy future.
Ready to optimize your electricity costs? Shop Electricity by City
Ohio Electricity FAQs
- What is the Energy Choice program in Ohio?
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The Energy Choice program allows Ohio residents to choose their electricity suppliers while utilities continue to deliver the electricity. This deregulation promotes competition among suppliers and can lead to better rates and more options.
- How can I compare electricity rates in Ohio?
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You can compare electricity rates by using platforms like ElectricityRates.com, which provides a comprehensive comparison of various suppliers and plans available in Ohio.
- What are the benefits of fixed-rate vs. variable-rate plans?
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Fixed-Rate Plans: These plans offer price stability by locking in your rate for the duration of the contract, protecting you from market fluctuations.
Variable-Rate Plans: These plans have rates that can fluctuate based on market conditions, which may lead to lower costs during specific periods but can also increase during peak times.
- How do I choose the best electricity provider?
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To choose the best electricity provider, consider factors such as pricing, contract terms, customer service, and the availability of renewable energy options. Using our comparison tool can help streamline this process.
- Can businesses benefit from the Energy Choice program?
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Yes, businesses in Ohio can also take advantage of the Energy Choice program by comparing rates and selecting plans that best suit their energy needs. Customized plans can lead to significant savings.