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Shop Electricity in Cincinnati: Compare Rates & Providers
Key Takeaways
- Cincinnati residents, primarily those served by Duke Energy Ohio, can choose their electricity supplier, allowing them to shop for better rates, renewable energy options, or more favorable contract terms.
- When selecting an electricity plan, it's crucial to consider factors beyond just the rate, such as the rate type (fixed vs. variable), contract length, early termination fees, renewable content, and the supplier's reputation and customer satisfaction.
- Cincinnati also has a citywide aggregation program with Dynegy that automatically enrolls eligible residents in a negotiated plan offering 100% renewable energy at a fixed rate. Residents can opt out of this program at any time without penalty.
Table of Contents
A rate increase took effect for for Duke Energy residents June 1, 2025. Read on for more information about the announcement here.
Understanding Cincinnati’s Electricity Market
Cincinnati is part of Ohio’s deregulated electricity market, which means residents have the freedom to choose their electricity supplier. While Duke Energy Ohio continues to manage the delivery and maintenance of electric service, you can decide which company handles the generation portion of your bill. This opens the door to plans that can offer lower rates, renewable energy, or more favorable contract terms.
That said, not everyone is eligible. Households and small businesses located in areas served by municipal utilities or rural electric cooperatives may not have Energy Choice. But if you’re within Duke Energy Ohio’s footprint, as most Cincinnati residents are, you have access to a competitive energy marketplace.
Shop Cincinnati Electricity Rates for Duke Energy
What is the Duke Energy Price to Compare?
If you’re on Duke Energy Ohio’s standard service, also known as the Price to Compare, you’re currently paying 10.43¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) effective August 1st, 2025 through August 31st, 2025.
The “Price to Compare” (PTC) is the default electricity supply rate offered by your local utility company. This figure is important because it’s the baseline to beat when shopping for a new supplier. If an alternative supplier’s rate is lower than the PTC, switching could lead to savings on the supply portion of your electricity bill.
| Price to Compare Effective Date Range | Price to Compare (rate per kWh) |
|---|---|
| July 1st, 2025 - July 31st, 2025 | 10.43¢ |
| June 1st, 2025 | 10.45¢ |
| May 1st, 2025 - May 31st, 2025 | 8.02¢ |
| April 1st, 2025 - April 30th, 2025 | 8.02¢ |
| November 1st, 2024 - March 31st, 2025 | 8.18¢ |
| October 1st, 2024 - October 31st, 2024 | 8.18¢ |
| August 1st, 2024 - September 30th, 2024 | 8.01¢ |
| July 1st, 2024 - July 31st, 2024 | 11.90¢ |
| June 1st, 2024 - June 30th, 2024 | 8.01¢ |
Best Electricity Supplier in Cincinnati
In the Cincinnati area, residents can choose from a variety of electricity suppliers, each offering plans tailored to different priorities: price, contract length, and renewable content among them. Some of the top names in the region frequently include Clearview, Constellation, Energy Harbor, among others.
Beyond contract terms, superior electricity providers in Cincinnati are backed by a positive, long-standing reputation, customer satisfaction, and connection to the community they serve. Check out who we ranked as our top picks for Best Electricity Provider in Ohio.
How to Choose the Best Cincinnati Electricity Plan
Beyond just the rate, it’s important to weigh the full details of any electricity plan before you enroll. Fixed-rate plans tend to be the safest for budgeting, since they lock in your cost for the length of the contract. Variable rate plans might look appealing at first, but can lead to unpredictable spikes, especially in peak seasons.
You’ll also want to look at contract terms, cancellation fees, and whether the electricity is sourced from renewable energy. Some plans come with added perks like no termination fees or bundled home protection services, but be sure to read the fine print. If environmental impact matters to you, make sure the supplier clearly states the renewable percentage included in your plan.
Three Easy Steps
Switching is Easy.
- Enter ZIP Code to compare rates in your area.
- Compare providers and plans based on your specific needs.
- Switch electricity providers and start saving.
How to Shop Rates and Secure a Fixed-Rate Plan
Ohio consumers have several avenues available to explore competitive electricity rates and potentially lock in a fixed-rate plan to avoid Duke’s Price to Compare fluctuations:
- Explore the Energy Choice Ohio Website: The Energy Choice Ohio website, also known as Apples to Apples Ohio is operated by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission and offers a comprehensive marketplace with potentially hundreds of competing energy offers. While this provides a wide array of choices, navigating through numerous plans and determining the best supplier for your specific needs can sometimes feel overwhelming.
- Simplify Your Search with ElectricityRates.com: ElectricityRates.com offers a secure, fast, and simple process designed to streamline your rate comparison experience. We present you with only the best rates from top-rated and trusted electricity suppliers serving Ohio, saving you time and effort in your search for the ideal plan.
- Shop Directly Through Supplier Websites: You also have the option to visit individual energy suppliers’ websites. However, keep in mind that you will only see the plans offered by that specific supplier, requiring you to visit multiple websites to get a broader view of the competitive landscape.
Cincinnati’s Community Choice Aggregation Program
Cincinnati also offers a citywide aggregation program, which automatically enrolls eligible residents in a negotiated electricity plan. This Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) is managed in partnership with Dynegy and emphasizes sustainability, offering 100% renewable energy through the use of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).
If you are part of this program, you’ve likely seen this supplier listed on your bill. Participation is automatic, but you can opt out or switch at any time without penalty. The program’s strength lies in its convenience and its green energy mix, making it a great default choice for many Cincinnati households.
Cincinnati Electricity Provider FAQ's
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No. Duke Energy Ohio continues to deliver your power and handle outages. The only thing that changes is your electricity supply rate and who bills you for it.
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If you’re eligible, you were likely enrolled automatically and should see Dynegy listed as your supplier on your bill. You can also contact the city’s Office of Environment and Sustainability or Dynegy directly to verify.
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Yes. The city’s program is opt-out by design, which means you are free to leave it at any time and choose a supplier that better fits your needs.
