Ohio Utility Rate Assessment

Finding Affordable Electricity in Ohio: Your Complete Guide
Current Ohio Electricity Pricing

Ohio residents enjoy access to competitive electricity markets with rates starting as low as 5.99¢ per kilowatt-hour for residential customers in the Cleveland Illuminating service territory through Clearview Energy’s ClearGuarantee9Plus plan.
Key Rate Information:
• Lowest home electricity rate: 5.99¢ per kWh.
• Average residential rate: 9.53¢ per kWh.
• Lowest business rate: 8.82¢ per kWh.
• Average commercial rate: 9.79¢ per kWh.
TrueVolt Energy specializes in connecting customers directly with utility companies to provide precise billing estimates and identify plans with genuine savings, cutting through misleading promotional offers to focus on total cost efficiency.

Ohio’s Energy Deregulation Explained

Since 1999, Ohio has operated under an open electricity market system, empowering consumers to select their preferred energy supplier. This regulatory change created healthy competition among providers, driving innovation and cost reduction across the industry. The competitive landscape benefits Ohio consumers by providing multiple supplier options and rate structures. Smart consumers leverage comparison platforms like TrueVolt Energy to evaluate available plans and secure optimal rates that align with their consumption patterns and budget requirements.

Distinguishing Utilities from Energy Suppliers

Utility Companies handle the physical infrastructure – power lines, transformers, and
grid maintenance. Ohio’s primary utilities include:
• Cleveland Illuminating Company.
• AEP Energy.
• Dayton Power and Light.
• Duke Energy Ohio.
• Ohio Edison.
• Toledo Edison.
Your utility assignment depends solely on your geographic location and cannot be
changed.

Energy Suppliers are competitive retailers who purchase electricity from wholesale markets and sell it to consumers. Companies like Public Power, Entrust, and Direct Energy compete for customers by offering various rate plans and contract terms. The key difference: utilities deliver electricity to your property, while suppliers determine the rate you pay for that electricity.

How to Change Your Ohio Electricity Provider

Ohio’s competitive market allows both residential and commercial customers to switch suppliers freely, subject to existing contract obligations. Monitor your contract expiration dates carefully – renewal periods resent optimal opportunities to secure better rates and terms.

Five-Step Switching Process

1. Research Available Options Online Begin your search using digital comparison tools. TrueVolt Energy’s platform allows you to input your ZIP code and monthly usage to compare offerings from multiple suppliers within minutes.
2. Analyze Contract Details Thoroughly Look beyond headline rates to understand the complete terms. Variable rates may appear attractive initially but can fluctuate based on market conditions or usage thresholds. Examine cancellation policies, contract duration, and any additional fees before committing.
3. Provide Current Bill Information Suppliers typically request recent billing statements to verify account details and calculate accurate quotes. This information helps ensure you receive appropriate rate offers.
4. Consider Custom Quotes for Large Users High-consumption businesses should request tailored pricing proposals. Energy suppliers can provide specialized rates for customers with significant or irregular usage patterns. TrueVolt Energy offers complimentary custom quotations for qualifying accounts.
5. Complete the Transfer Process After selecting a new supplier, you’ll receive confirmation documentation outlining your new plan details and service start date. The transition occurs seamlessly without service interruption.

Understanding Ohio Electricity Plan Types

Ohio suppliers offer two primary rate structures, each with distinct advantages and
considerations.

Fixed-Rate Plans

These contracts lock in your electricity rate for the entire term, typically ranging from 6 to 36 months. Your rate remains unchanged regardless of market fluctuations, weather events, or seasonal demand variations. Fixed rates provide billing predictability and protection against price volatility.

Variable-Rate Plans

These agreements allow rates to adjust monthly based on market conditions. While variable plans offer potential savings during low-demand periods, they also expose customers to price increases during peak seasons or supply constraints. Evaluate your risk tolerance and budgeting preferences when choosing between fixed and variable rate structures.

Ohio’s Price to Compare System

The Price to Compare represents your local utility’s standard supply rate, serving as a baseline for evaluating competitive offers. Suppliers offering rates below this benchmark could reduce your electricity costs. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio maintains the “Apples to Apples” comparison tool, enabling side-by-side evaluation of supplier rates, contract terms, and service features. Regular monitoring ensures you maintain optimal pricing.

Understanding PUCO’s Role

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) oversees utility regulation throughout the state, ensuring fair pricing and reliable service delivery. PUCO’s responsibilities encompass electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, water, and transportation utilities. Beyond traditional regulation, PUCO facilitates consumer choice in competitive markets and maintains comparison resources to help residents make informed decisions about utility services.

Renewable Energy Options in Ohio

Ohio’s House Bill 6, enacted in 2019, establishes renewable energy requirements for utility companies. The legislation mandates that 8.5% of electricity sold by Ohio utilities must come from renewable sources by 2026. Consumers interested in sustainable energy can choose from various green power
options. Energy Harbor, based in Akron, specializes in carbon-free electricity for both residential and commercial customers. Additional renewable plans are available through multiple suppliers across Ohio.

Relocating to Ohio

Ohio, nicknamed the Buckeye State, ranks as America’s seventh most populous state with nearly 12 million residents. The state’s economy centers on manufacturing, ranking third nationally in industrial production, while offering diverse living environments from urban centers to Lake Erie shorelines.
New Ohio residents must establish electricity service upon arrival. The state’s deregulated market provides flexibility in supplier selection, though newcomers from regulated markets may find the process initially complex. TrueVolt Energy simplifies this transition by comparing available plans to identify optimal rates for your new residence.

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