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How to Compare Cleveland Electricity Rates
Your Guide to Smarter Energy Choices
Key Takeaways
- Eligibility for Energy Choice varies in Cleveland. Only residents served by The Illuminating Company (FirstEnergy) can choose their electricity supplier, while those served by Cleveland Public Power are not eligible for energy choice.
- Cleveland's Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) program, automatically enrolls eligible residents (those served by The Illuminating Company) into a group electricity purchasing plan. Customers have the flexibility to opt out of the aggregation program at any time without penalty
- When selecting a supplier, consider more than just the per-kWh rate, including the rate type (fixed vs. variable), contract length, renewable energy content, early termination fees, and the supplier's customer support record.
Table of Contents
Electricity rates in Cleveland are guided by Ohio’s deregulated energy market, meaning you can select your electricity supplier. Energy Choice officially took effect on January 1, 2001, marking the beginning of consumer choice in the state’s electricity market. Though your utility still delivers your power and maintains the lines.
However, not all residents in Cleveland qualify. If you’re served by Cleveland Public Power, you’re not eligible to choose a supplier. If you’re served by The Illuminating Company, you do have access to Energy Choice options. For an official breakdown of your eligibility and utility zone, visit the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
Get The Best Cleveland Electricity Rates
What is The Illuminating Company Price to Compare?
The current Illuminating Company price to compare is 9.11¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) effective June 1st, 2025.
The “Price to Compare” (PTC) is the default electricity supply rate offered by your local utility company. It serves as a benchmark for consumers in deregulated markets, allowing them to compare their current utility rate against offers from alternative electricity suppliers. 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 - August 31st, 2025 | 9.39¢ |
| June 1st, 2025 | 9.11¢ |
| April 1st, 2025 - May 31st, 2025 | 7.19¢ |
| January 1st, 2025 - March 31st, 2025 | 0.80¢ |
| October 1st, 2024 - December 31st, 2024 | 8.56¢ |
| September 1st, 2024 - September 30th, 2024 | 8.74¢ |
| June 1st, 2024 - June 30th, 2024 | 9.45¢ |
Best Electricity Provider in Cleveland
Rates can change monthly, but several providers frequently show up with competitive fixed-rate plans. While we’re not naming favorites, many of the top names in the region include household options with terms between 6 and 12 months.
Some of them focus on rock-bottom pricing, while others promote 100% renewable energy or perks like home protection add-ons.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plan
When evaluating your electricity supplier options, look beyond the price per kWh. Here is what to consider when browsing Cleveland electricity rates:
- Rate Type: Fixed rates lock in your cost, while variable rates can rise unexpectedly. Look for rates below The Illuminating Company PTC.
- Contract Length: Plans may range from 3 months to 36 months depending on your needs.
- Renewable Content: Some plans are 100% green sourced through solar and wind; while others are sourced from traditional generation.
- Early Termination Fees: Canceling a plan early could result in fees of $50–$150. Make sure to read the fine print before locking in a contract.
- Customer Support: Verify the supplier’s customer service record via PUCO complaints.
Break Up With Your Electricity Provider
Shop electricity rates from leading providers and make the switch today.
How to Compare 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 The Illuminating Company’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 Pennsylvania, 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.
Cleveland’s Community Choice Aggregation Program
The City of Cleveland participates in Community Choice Aggregation through the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC). As of 2025, the city has negotiated a 6.762¢/kWh fixed rate for residents who are automatically enrolled.
Key features include:
- 100% renewable energy (mostly wind and hydro sources)
- Fixed pricing locked in through August 2025
- Ability to opt out or downgrade to a 50% renewable or standard offer
To make a change to your aggregation status, contact the Cleveland Office of Sustainability.
FAQ's
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No. Your utility (like The Illuminating Company) continues delivering electricity. You’re simply changing who bills you for the generation portion.
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You would have received a letter from the city. To verify or opt out, visit the SOPEC aggregation page.
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It depends. If market rates dip, you could save by switching. But aggregation plans offer consistent, fixed pricing and green energy.
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Not necessarily. Some green plans are competitively priced—especially through municipal aggregation or short-term fixed contracts.
