How much is the average electric bill in ohio

Jump To: Ohio Energy Rates | Price Comparison | How to Find the Best Rates | Types of Electricity Plans | Best Electricity Companies | What to Look For When Choosing a Provider | FAQ

Ohio Energy Rates

Energy is deregulated in Ohio, which means consumers have an energy choice and can choose a supplier. Having options not only encourages competition and brings prices down, but it also allows homeowners to shop around for the best energy prices and plans in the state. The average cost of electricity in Ohio is 12.67 cents per kWh, but you could pay anywhere from around 7 cents to upward of 22 cents per kWh depending on your supplier and plan.

Ohio is home to around 88 individual power suppliers, and a large portion of these suppliers purchase their power from American Electric Power. Other major energy production companies in Ohio include AES Ohio, Duke Energy and First Energy. The amount you pay will depend on several factors, including both your producer and your supplier.

Comparison of Electricity Rates in Ohio

Below, we’ll include a side-by-side comparison of the electricity prices from different power suppliers in Ohio, including the length of the energy plan required for service. It should be noted that we strongly encourage choosing a plan that sources only renewable energy, so we’re only including plans that fit that description. The rest of the article will explain more about renewable energy plans and their benefits.

*Rates will vary based on your public utility; you’ll see the rates above if your utility is American Electric Power (AEP). Rates are subject to change.

How to Find the Best Electricity Rates in Ohio

Finding the best electricity rates in Ohio can be a difficult process, as your overall expenditure for energy will depend on several factors. The process can be confusing because a low cost of energy per kWh isn’t always the best option. We’ll explain some of the most important factors to consider below that aren’t directly tied to price.

Your Energy Usage

The amount of energy you use each month can play a role in determining which electricity supplier is best for you and your home. Many suppliers in Ohio offer a tiered plan for customers, which means base rates vary depending on your average monthly energy consumption. Tiered plans typically include higher per-kWh prices for the initial kilowatt-hours consumed, a lower price as you get close to the average consumption, and higher prices for energy used well above the average.

If you use well below or well above the average amount of energy in Ohio — which is around 873 kWh per month — a tiered plan might not be as beneficial for you. If you use energy primarily during off-peak hours, then a time-of-use plan could be more affordable in the long run. Ultimately, the amount of energy you use and when you consume it will play a role in deciding which electricity provider is best. Most of the time, the tiers will be regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and will be fair, based on consumption.

Contract Length

Energy plans in Ohio also include a contract length, which can range from just a single month to several years. Generally speaking, the longer you sign a contract for, the better deal you’ll get on energy, as you guarantee the supplier your business for longer.

However, it’s important to look at additional terms in your contract, like early termination fees, new customer rates that eventually go up, and sign-up fees. It’s best to get quotes from a few different companies and compare them in terms of contract length and by the “fine print” before committing. You can use this EcoWatch tool or click below to help you decide which plan will be most beneficial for your situation.

Types of Electricity Plans in Ohio

Choosing an electricity plan can seem like a daunting task because you’ll likely see some terms you haven’t encountered before in the plan names and contract terms. Below, we’ll include some helpful information on the types of energy plans in Ohio that should allow you to navigate your options more easily.

Fixed-Rate Plans

As the name implies, fixed-rate plans are energy plans that allow you to pay a predetermined rate per kWh for your energy. It’s important to note that your total energy bills won’t be the same every month — they’ll still be higher if you use more electricity. The only portion of your bill that is fixed is the amount you pay per kilowatt-hour. However, this does often help homeowners budget more effectively. We generally recommend fixed-rate plans because they guarantee you’ll never pay more for your energy than your agreed-upon rate.

It’s also important to note that some fixed-rate plans turn into variable-rate plans once the contract term expires, so be sure to read the contract terms and renew your plan if you want to stay at a fixed rate. Below are some pros and cons of a fixed-rate energy plan.

Variable-Rate Plans

Variable-rate plans are also somewhat self-explanatory: They are based on a rate per kWh that fluctuates. The rate you pay per kWh can change according to local energy rates, which are affected by supply and demand. Some customers worry about variable-rate plans because the price of energy is unknown and can skyrocket in times of high demand or crisis. Others prefer variable-rate plans because they generally don’t come with a fixed contract term.

The table below provides some insight into the upsides and downsides of choosing a variable-rate energy plan.

No-Deposit and Prepaid Energy Plans

No-deposit energy plans are also aptly named, as they don’t require any upfront deposit to secure a contract. Some companies do require a deposit to offset losses if a customer fails to pay their energy bill. No-deposit options are sometimes available for customers who can pass a credit check, and they are more affordable upfront.

In the case of a credit check not being passed, some companies will let you choose a prepaid energy plan, which lets you pay for several months of estimated energy usage in advance and top up your account if it runs low. These can limit your additional expenses — like deposits for service — but they often don’t have fixed rates, making budgeting a bit more challenging. Below are some pros and cons of both no-deposit and prepaid energy plans.

Green Energy Plans

Green energy plans are great for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprints and contributions to pollution. These plans include electricity that is produced via renewable energy sources. In Ohio, that means a majority will come from biomass, although wind and solar power are both contributors to clean energy in Ohio.

Ohio has a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goal of producing 8.5% of its electricity via renewable energy sources by 2026.1 That means green energy plans are likely to become more popular and more affordable in Ohio in the near future. Green energy plans can still have variable or fixed rates, but the energy supplied comes from clean energy sources. Below are some pros and cons of green energy plans.

Business Energy Plans

Business energy plans are designed for the high demand of industrial and commercial buildings, including governmental agencies, schools and factories. Not all electricity suppliers offer business energy plans, so you’ll have fewer options if you need one and will pay different prices for electricity than residents. Business energy plans can either be variable-rate or fixed-rate.

Electric Companies and Providers in Ohio

There are tons of options to choose from when it comes to electricity suppliers in Ohio. Below are some of our top-rated Ohio energy suppliers and some key facts about each to help you decide which might be right for you.

CleanSky Energy

• Many term options available
• Fixed-rate plans available
• 100% renewable energy plans
• Positive online reviews
• Serves most Ohio residents

IGS Energy

• Fixed-rate plans available
• 100% renewable energy plans
• Limited plan options to choose from
• Low number of complaints from customers
• Competitive prices

AEP Energy

• Supports renewable energy and offers renewable energy plans
• Serves most Ohio residents
• Fixed-rate plans available
• Years of experience
• Many positive online reviews

CleanChoice Energy

• Renewable energy plans available
• Community solar plans available
• Easy cancellation
• A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• Positive online reviews

What to Look For When Choosing an Electricity Provider in Ohio

When you’re choosing an electricity provider in Ohio, it might be tempting to pick the one with the lowest per-kWh rate to keep your costs down. However, there are many other factors to consider to ensure you get the one that’s best suited to serve you and your home. Below are some of the most important things you should look for in an electricity supplier.

1. Plan Options: Not every customer wants a fixed-rate energy plan, just like variable-rate options won’t work for everyone. You should always check to see what type of plans are offered before selecting an electricity supplier and choose one that meets your energy needs and budget.
2. Energy Source: Many utility companies use fossil fuels like coal and natural gas to produce energy, but there has been a massive movement recently to support suppliers that use renewable energy sources. By choosing a greener supplier, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.
3. Energy Rates: Of course, price will always be an important factor. No one wants to pay more than they need to for energy, so check the rates and expected rate changes before committing.
4. Contract Terms: In addition to the price per kWh, you should also check the contract length/term and the fine print, including sign-up fees, introductory rates, early cancellation fees and more.
5. Online Customer Reviews: When choosing a company in any industry, online reviews are always important. Checking some online reviews for a local utility supplier will give you an idea of the service you can expect.
6. Company History: Lastly, many energy customers choose companies that have years of experience behind them, as newer companies are less likely to have a firm grasp of the industry.

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