Compare Ohio Electric Rates & Prices

• The average residential electricity rate in Ohio is currently 16.56 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Ohio electricity rates are 2.6% lower than the national average of 17.01 cents per kWh.
• The latest average commercial electricity rate in Ohio is 10.93 cents per kWh. This average is 10.6% lower than the national average of 12.22 cents per kWh.

When exploring energy options in Ohio, you’ll find a few different types of energy plans. The key difference between plans is the rate structure and how your supplier determines its electricity rates. Be sure to review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) of any plan to understand the details before signing up.

• Fixed-rate plans: A fixed-rate plan keeps your rate constant for the duration of your contract, typically lasting 12 to 36 months. Fixed-rate plans can help you budget your bills better because the rate you pay is the same every month. Ending your contract early will likely result in an early termination fee (ETF). However, you won’t have to pay an ETF if you move outside your provider’s service area.
• Variable-rate plans: With a variable-rate plan, your Ohio electricity rate will fluctuate monthly based on the market price of energy. Your bills can increase during times of high energy demand and decrease when demand is low. Because variable-rate plans don’t require a contract, you won’t incur an ETF if you switch to another plan.
• Prepaid and no-deposit plans: Some electric companies in Ohio require a deposit to enroll in a plan. If you have a good credit score, they may waive the deposit. To avoid a deposit, consider searching for a no-deposit electricity plan. A common no-deposit option is a prepaid energy plan. These plans allow you to pay upfront for your service and refill your account as needed.
• Renewable energy plans: Green energy plans in Ohio include electricity generated from renewable sources like solar power, wind energy, and hydropower. You can find competitive and affordable green energy plans in Ohio.

In deregulated energy markets, electricity suppliers and utility companies are separate entities with different responsibilities. It’s important to know who to contact for billing questions or if you experience a power outage in your area.

Energy suppliers

An energy supplier sells energy plans to residential and commercial customers. Electric suppliers handle billing and set electricity rates in Ohio. This includes the price per kWh for electricity or therms for gas. Ohio residents can choose their electricity supplier from a pool of available companies. Some of the best energy suppliers in Ohio include:

• Direct Energy
• Constellation Energy
• Discount Power

Utility providers

In deregulated markets, the utility company delivers electricity to your home or business, maintains power lines, and restores service during outages. Your utility company is determined by your address, so you cannot change it. Many Ohio utility companies are subsidiaries of four larger national energy companies:

• AES (AES Ohio, formerly Dayton Power & Light)
• American Electric Power (AEP Ohio, includes Ohio Power and Columbus Southern Power)
• Duke Energy
• FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, and The Illuminating Company)

In Ohio’s deregulated market, consumers can receive electricity from either their utility or an independent energy supplier. If they don’t choose a provider, they’ll be automatically enrolled in a default plan and rate with their utility, called the Price to Compare (PTC). The following are PTC electricity rates in Ohio offered by the state’s major utility companies.

Prices are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.

In Ohio, the average residential electricity bill is $144.73 per month. This is calculated by multiplying the average electric rate of 16.56 cents per kWh with the typical energy usage in Ohio, which is 874 kWh per month. Ohio residents currently pay slightly cheaper electric bills than the national average of $145.44 per month.

In 2001, Ohio deregulated its energy market to remove energy monopolies and expand competitive energy choices for residents and businesses.

Ohio’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) monitors regulations and rates to ensure utility services are offered at fair prices to Ohio residents. Before deregulation, energy supply and delivery were combined into one cost. After deregulation, the state’s electric and gas were separated into two different entities.

Ohio electricity consumers can save on their bills by securing a cheap fixed rate during low-demand periods like spring and fall when temperatures are milder. You can enter your ZIP code on Choose Energy’s marketplace to browse for affordable energy plans and rates in Ohio.

Choose Energy is an independent marketplace that makes it easy for customers in deregulated states to navigate the energy industry. We work with the best electricity suppliers in Ohio to help you find reliable service and a cheap electric rate. Here’s how the process works:

• Enter your ZIP code. We’ll show you today’s cheapest electric rates in Ohio and help you compare plans in your area. Our marketplace is free to use, so you won’t pay anything to browse and compare plans.
• Choose a plan. Once you’ve found a plan you like, you can sign up online or over the phone in just a few minutes.
• Enjoy your choice. Your new Ohio energy supplier handles the setup with no interruption to your service. If you have questions about your plan or monthly bill, contact your supplier.

What is a good price per kWh in Ohio?

You can easily find energy prices cheaper than the state average using the Choose Energy marketplace. Currently, the lowest Ohio energy price on our marketplace is 6.4 cents per kWh, offered by Public Power. Electricity rates can change on a daily basis. Enter your ZIP code to explore current options in your area.

How can I lower my electric bill?

To lower your electric bill, consider using energy-efficient appliances, performing routine maintenance on your HVAC system, unplugging unused devices, and replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lighting. You can also switch to an energy provider with lower electricity rates with the Choose Energy marketplace.

Is a deposit required for my energy plan?

When signing up for energy service, electric suppliers in Ohio may ask for a deposit from customers with low credit scores. If you’d prefer to skip the deposit, consider a no-deposit energy plan. Enter your ZIP code and filter for “all credit approved” options to explore no-deposit plans in your area.

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter is a digital device that tracks and collects data on how much electricity or gas you use in your home. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters send data digitally to your utility company. They allow your utility to remotely read your meter without a physical visit. Smart meters can measure a customer’s energy usage more accurately than traditional meters.