Navigating Duke Energy Electricity Rates

Benefits of Energy Choice for Duke Customers

For Duke Energy Ohio customers, Energy Choice is a program that offers the ability to choose who supplies the electricity they use. While Duke Energy Ohio continues to deliver the electricity, maintain the infrastructure, and handle billing, customers can select a different Certified Retail Electric Supplier (CRES) for the generation portion of their bill.  

This allows Duke Energy Ohio customers to potentially benefit from competitive pricing offered by various suppliers, explore different types of energy plans (like fixed-rate or renewable energy options), and make choices based on factors beyond just price. 

How To Compare Ohio Electricity Rates

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:

1. Explore the Apples to Apples Website: The Apples to Apples Ohio website operated by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Understanding Your Duke Energy Electricity Bill

Before switching electricity providers, you should note the two types of charges on your Duke electricity bill. These are delivery charges and supply charges. Delivery charges ensure the reliable transmission and delivery of electricity and are set by the Ohio PUC. Supply charges are what you pay your electricity provider for the electricity you use.

Financial Assistance for Duke Energy Customers

Duke Energy Ohio offers several financial assistance programs to help customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills. These programs include both state-wide initiatives and those specifically offered or supported by Duke Energy:

State and Federal Programs:

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): A federally funded program that provides eligible low-income Ohioans with a one-time payment to help with their heating bills during the winter.
• Winter Crisis Program (WCP): Running from November 1st to March 31st, this HEAP component assists low-income households facing disconnection, those already disconnected, or with a low supply of bulk fuel during winter.
• Summer Crisis Program: Available from July 1st to September 30th, this program provides cooling assistance to eligible low-income households, especially those with elderly members or medical conditions.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): This program allows eligible low-income customers to pay a percentage of their gross household income towards their energy bills (5% for gas heat/5% electric, or 10% if all-electric). Timely payments can lead to debt reduction.

Duke Energy Ohio Specific Programs and Partnerships:

• Share the Light Fund: This program, supported by Duke Energy and its customers, provides energy bill assistance to individuals and families in crisis. Funds are distributed through partnering agencies like the Salvation Army.
• Low-Income Rate Assistance Programs: Duke Energy Ohio has specific pilot programs for low-income gas and electric customers who are not enrolled in PIPP and meet certain income and usage requirements. These programs offer a monthly credit to offset rate increases.
• Budget Billing: While not direct financial assistance, this program helps customers manage their bills by averaging their energy usage over 12 months, resulting in more predictable monthly payments.
• Payment Arrangements and Extensions: Duke Energy may offer payment plans to help customers catch up on past-due balances or short-term extensions for those who need a little extra time to pay.

 

Duke Energy Ohio Contact Information

• Official Website
• Customer Service Number: 800-544-6900
• Report An Outage Number: 800-634-4300