Ohio Electricity Rates
Ohio was one of the first states in the nation to deregulate its electricity market. Since 2001, every Ohioan has had the power to choose their electricity supplier—and those who shop and compare typically save 20–40% versus the default utility rate. Below you’ll find live rates for every major Ohio city, a breakdown of how the deregulated market works, and everything you need to lock in the best plan.
Key Takeaways
Ohio Avg Supply Rate
U.S. National Average
Ohio Electricity Rates by City
Ohio electricity rates vary by city because each area is served by a different Electric Distribution Utility (EDU). Cities in FirstEnergy territory (Cleveland, Toledo, Youngstown) tend to have the lowest supply rates, while AEP Ohio and Duke Energy territory rates run slightly higher. Click any city for live plan comparisons.
How Ohio Electricity Deregulation Works
Ohio deregulated its electricity market in 2001 under Senate Bill 3, giving every residential and commercial customer the right to choose their electricity supplier. Unlike states with monopoly utilities, Ohio separates generation (supply) from delivery—meaning you choose who generates your electricity while your local EDU handles the wires.
You Choose a Supplier
Browse certified Competitive Retail Electric Service (CRES) providers and pick a plan based on rate, term length, and contract type.
Your Supplier Generates Power
Your chosen supplier purchases or generates electricity on your behalf. They set the supply rate on your bill—the part you control.
Your EDU Delivers It
Your local EDU (AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, FirstEnergy, AES Ohio) delivers the power through the same poles and wires regardless of your supplier.
PUCO Oversees Everything
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio regulates delivery charges, certifies suppliers, and protects consumers through complaint resolution.
Supply vs. Delivery: Understanding Your Ohio Bill
Your Ohio electricity bill has two main components. Supply charges cover the cost of generating electricity—this is the portion you can shop for. Delivery charges cover the cost of transmitting and distributing electricity to your home through your EDU’s infrastructure—these are regulated by PUCO and remain the same regardless of which supplier you choose. When comparing plans, focus on the supply rate since delivery charges won’t change.
Ohio EDU Service Territory Map
Your Electric Distribution Utility (EDU) determines the delivery charges on your bill. These charges are regulated by PUCO and are the same no matter which supplier you choose. Hover over any county to see which EDU serves that area.
Ohio Edison
A FirstEnergy subsidiary serving northeast Ohio including Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and surrounding communities. One of the largest service territories in the state with competitive delivery charges.
Cleveland Electric Illuminating
Serves the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs including Parma. Part of the FirstEnergy family with some of the lowest overall delivered rates in Ohio.
Toledo Edison
Serves the Toledo metropolitan area and northwest Ohio. Another FirstEnergy subsidiary with consistently competitive supply rates and a strong roster of available providers.
AEP Ohio
The largest EDU in Ohio by geography, serving Columbus and a wide swath of central and southern Ohio. Offers strong supplier competition with 36+ providers vying for customers.
Duke Energy Ohio
Serves Cincinnati, Hamilton, and the surrounding southwest Ohio region. Part of the national Duke Energy system. The service area extends south to the Kentucky border.
AES Ohio
Serves the Dayton metropolitan area and surrounding communities in west-central Ohio. Formerly known as Dayton Power & Light, now operating under the AES Corporation umbrella.
Types of Ohio Electricity Plans
Ohio’s competitive market offers several plan types. Understanding the differences helps you match your electricity contract to your budget, risk tolerance, and lifestyle.
Fixed-Rate Plans
Your supply rate per kWh stays locked for the entire contract term (typically 3–36 months). Ideal for homeowners who want predictable bills through Ohio’s cold winters and hot summers.
- Rate locked regardless of market fluctuations
- Protection against winter heating cost spikes
- Early termination fees may apply ($25–$150)
- Current Ohio fixed rates: 3.9¢–13¢/kWh
Variable-Rate Plans
Your supply rate fluctuates monthly based on wholesale market prices. Best for Ohioans who want flexibility and no long-term commitment.
- No contract or early termination fee
- Rates may drop during mild weather
- Rates can spike during extreme cold or heat
- Cancel or switch anytime without penalty
Green Energy Plans
Electricity sourced from renewable sources like Ohio wind farms and solar installations. Ohio ranks in the top 20 states for wind energy capacity.
- Support Ohio’s growing renewable sector
- Often competitively priced with conventional
- CleanSky, Inspire, and others offer green plans
- Same reliability as conventional electricity
Short-Term Plans
Lock in a rate for 1–3 months. Perfect for new residents or anyone who wants to test a provider before committing to a longer term.
- Try a provider with minimal commitment
- Rates often lower than variable plans
- Typically convert to variable after term ends
- No or very low cancellation fees
Budget Billing Plans
Some Ohio suppliers offer budget billing that averages your annual costs into equal monthly payments, eliminating seasonal bill swings.
- Predictable monthly payments year-round
- No surprises during Ohio’s coldest months
- Annual true-up adjusts for actual usage
- Available from select providers and EDUs
Time-of-Use Plans
Pay different rates depending on when you use electricity. Lower rates during off-peak hours reward customers who can shift heavy usage to evenings and weekends.
- Lower rates during off-peak hours
- Higher rates during peak demand (2–7 PM)
- Best if you can shift laundry & EV charging
- Savings potential of 10–25% for flexible households
How to Choose an Ohio Electricity Plan
With dozens of suppliers offering hundreds of plans, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Follow these four steps to find a plan that matches your household’s needs and budget.
Know Your EDU Territory
Your EDU determines which suppliers and plans are available. Check your current electric bill for your EDU name, or enter your ZIP code on our site. Available plans and rates differ by territory.
Check Your Usage
Review your past 12 months of bills. Ohio homes average about 900 kWh/month, but this varies widely. Apartments may use 400–600 kWh; larger homes with electric heat use 1,500+.
Compare Supply Rates
Focus on the supply rate per kWh since delivery charges stay the same. Watch for introductory teaser rates that increase after a few months. Always read the full contract terms.
Enroll and Save
Sign up online or by phone. Your new supplier handles the switch with your EDU—no calls to make, no service interruption. The transition typically completes within 1–2 billing cycles.
Watch Out for Teaser Rate Traps
Some Ohio suppliers advertise extremely low introductory rates that jump dramatically after the first month or two. A plan at 3.9¢/kWh for month one that becomes 12¢/kWh in month three costs more over 6 months than a steady 7¢/kWh plan. Always calculate your total cost over the full contract term, not just the initial rate.
Ohio Business Electricity Rates
Ohio’s deregulated market extends to commercial and industrial customers. Businesses benefit from custom-quoted supply rates based on usage profiles, demand patterns, and contract terms. Ohio’s central location and competitive energy prices make it attractive for manufacturing and logistics.
Retail & Restaurants
Small commercial operations across Ohio’s major metros benefit from fixed-rate plans that protect against seasonal price swings.
Office Buildings
Corporate tenants in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati metros can negotiate multi-year supply agreements for significant savings.
Manufacturing
Ohio is a top-10 manufacturing state. Industrial customers can access wholesale-level pricing with demand response options and load management programs.
Best Time to Shop for Ohio Electricity
Wholesale electricity prices—and the retail supply rates that follow—track predictable seasonal patterns in Ohio driven by heating and cooling demand. Timing your switch can lock in significantly better rates.
Spring: Mar–May
Heating season ends and cooling hasn’t started. Wholesale prices drop and suppliers offer their most aggressive rates to attract new customers. The single best window to lock in a low fixed rate.
Winter: Jan–Feb
Ohio’s cold winters drive heating demand and can spike wholesale electricity costs, especially during polar vortex events. If your contract expires in winter, try to switch before December.
Fall: Sep–Nov
AC demand fades and wholesale prices retreat. Another excellent window to shop, especially if you missed the spring window or your current plan is ending.
Pro Tip: Don’t Let Your Contract Lapse
When your Ohio electricity contract expires, most suppliers automatically roll you onto a variable month-to-month rate—which is almost always higher than a fixed plan. Set a reminder 30 days before your contract ends to shop for a new plan. Proactive shoppers who re-shop every 6–12 months save the most money over time.
Moving to Ohio? Start Your Electric Service
Ohio consistently ranks as one of the most affordable states to live in, and its deregulated electricity market is a big part of that. Here’s how to get power at your new Ohio home.
Contact Your EDU First
Call your local EDU (AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, FirstEnergy, or AES Ohio) to set up delivery service. They’ll assign a meter to your address and establish your account.
Compare Suppliers
Once delivery service is active, compare supply rates from certified CRES providers. Use your ZIP code to see which plans are available in your EDU territory.
Choose a Plan
Select a supplier and sign up. Until your chosen supplier is activated, your EDU provides supply at the Standard Service Offer (SSO) rate—so you’re covered from day one.
Start Saving
Your new supplier takes over supply within 1–2 billing cycles. You’ll receive either a single consolidated bill from your EDU or separate bills from your EDU and supplier, depending on your area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Electricity
Everything you need to know about shopping for electricity in Ohio, answered in plain language.
What is the average electricity rate in Ohio?
The average residential electricity supply rate in Ohio is 9.3¢/kWh as of March 2026. However, shoppers who compare providers can find fixed-rate plans starting as low as 3.9¢/kWh. Your total bill also includes delivery charges from your EDU, which remain the same regardless of which supplier you choose.
Is Ohio a deregulated electricity state?
Yes. Ohio deregulated its electricity market in 2001 under Senate Bill 3. All residential and commercial customers in Ohio can choose their electricity supplier (the generation/supply portion of their bill). Your local EDU continues to deliver the power through the same poles and wires. Ohio was one of the first states in the Midwest to deregulate.
Which Ohio city has the cheapest electricity?
Cities served by FirstEnergy subsidiaries—Cleveland, Toledo, Youngstown, Parma, and Lorain—consistently have the lowest supply rates in Ohio, with plans starting around 3.9¢/kWh. This advantage comes from both competitive supplier activity and lower delivery charges in these territories.
What are Ohio’s Electric Distribution Utilities?
Ohio has six major EDUs: Ohio Edison, Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison (all FirstEnergy subsidiaries serving northern Ohio), AEP Ohio (central and southern Ohio including Columbus), Duke Energy Ohio (Cincinnati and southwest Ohio), and AES Ohio (Dayton area, formerly Dayton Power & Light). Your EDU determines your delivery charges and which suppliers are available.
How do I switch electricity suppliers in Ohio?
Switching takes about 10 minutes and causes zero service interruption. Choose a new supplier and sign up online or by phone. Your new supplier notifies your EDU, and the switch completes within 1–2 billing cycles. The same electricity flows through the same wires—only the supply portion of your bill changes. Check your current contract for any early termination fees before switching.
What is PUCO’s Apples to Apples comparison?
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) maintains an “Apples to Apples” comparison chart listing all certified suppliers and their current offers for each EDU territory. It’s a useful starting point for comparing rates. ElectricChoice.com provides additional context including provider reviews, plan analysis, and rate comparisons that help you make a more informed decision.
What happens if I don’t choose a supplier?
If you don’t actively choose a supplier, your EDU provides generation service at their Standard Service Offer (SSO) rate. The SSO rate is set through competitive auctions and changes periodically. While the SSO isn’t necessarily the worst rate available, shoppers who compare plans can typically find fixed-rate offers 20–40% below the SSO.
When is the best time to shop for Ohio electricity?
The best windows are March through May and September through November. During these mild-weather months, wholesale electricity prices drop and suppliers offer their most competitive rates. Avoid shopping during January–February (winter heating demand) or July–August (summer cooling peaks).
Are there cancellation fees for Ohio electricity plans?
It depends on the plan. Many Ohio plans—especially month-to-month and short-term contracts—have no cancellation fee. Fixed-rate plans with longer terms may include an early termination fee, typically $25–$150. Ohio law requires suppliers to clearly disclose all fees before you enroll. Always review the contract terms before signing up.
What is the average Ohio electricity bill?
The average Ohio household uses about 900 kWh per month—slightly below the national average of 1,000 kWh. Factoring in both supply and delivery charges, the typical Ohio electricity bill is $120–$150/month. Winter bills with electric heating can reach $200+. By shopping for a competitive supply rate, most Ohioans can reduce their bill by 20–40%.
Who do I call for power outages in Ohio?
For power outages, contact your local EDU (not your supplier). FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison, CEI, Toledo Edison): 888-544-4877. AEP Ohio: 800-672-2231. Duke Energy Ohio: 800-543-5599. AES Ohio (Dayton): 877-468-8243. Your EDU owns the infrastructure and handles all outage restoration regardless of which supplier you use.
Can I have solar panels and still choose a supplier in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio supports net metering for solar panel owners. You can generate your own electricity, send excess power back to the grid for credits, and still choose a competitive supplier for any additional electricity you need. Your EDU handles the net metering interconnection, and your supplier provides supply for any net consumption.
About this Data
Rate data is sourced from the ElectricChoice.com electric rate and plan marketplace, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), and the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The inclusion, exclusion, ranking, or naming of any rate, plan, or provider on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Listed rates reflect the supply portion only and do not include delivery charges from your local EDU. You should review each plan’s terms of service before enrolling. Last data refresh: March 2026.