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Apples to Apples in Ohio

Energy Choice in Ohio

Ohio is one of the many energy deregulated states in the U.S. In 2001, the Buckeye State gave its residents the power to choose who will supply their electricity and gas – and for what price. Since then, some 50% of residents switched electric suppliers in Ohio, which according to research, has generated a staggering $15 billion saving on electricity bills.

The marketplace competition has also pushed down the average residential electric rates in Ohio to 9.94 cents per kWh, which is below the US national average. A number of competitive suppliers sprung up around the state, ready to compete for Ohio customers with good rates, energy plans, and home power products.

Educating Ohioans on energy choice and certifying retail electricity and natural gas suppliers is the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). The regulatory institution also runs the PUCO Apples to Apples energy comparison site, where Ohioans can see available electricity rates by simply entering their zip code.

Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO)

Ohio is not unique in having a Public Utility Commission, regulating the energy choice and retail suppliers in the state. Since access to electricity and heating is essential for the well-being of the citizens, these institutions form in every deregulated U.S. state to oversee the competition and to ensure that electricity and natural gas suppliers behave responsibly and in the best interest of the citizens.

The PUCO has five main responsibilities:

  • Certifying electricity and natural gas suppliers to compete in the deregulated marketplace
  • Resolving disputes between the customer and the electric supplier
  • Ensuring safe operations of the electricity grid and natural gas delivery system in Ohio
  • Regulating and approving delivery rates and “standard service offer rates” (SSO) 
  • Informing residents about the Ohio energy choice (through ApplestoApples program)

When it comes to Apples to Apples, the PUCO aggregates information for customers to compare Ohio energy rates and displays it in a randomized table in its online tool. Updating and maintaining the displayed rates and prices isn’t the responsibility of PUCO, but rather the Ohio electricity suppliers, which is why as a customer you have to be extra careful to review the contract terms before you sign the dotted line.

Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP PLUS)

This plan is designed for eligible Ohioans from low-income households to keep their electricity and natural gas service through an extended payment arrangement. Participating households pay six percent of their monthly income or $10 per month to both electricity and natural gas utilities, whichever is greater.

If you make your payments on-time and in full amount, you receive credits that reduce the monthly payments as well. However, if you are currently enrolled in this plan, you cannot switch to a different provider.

To be eligible for the PIPP Plus program, a customer must receive their service from a utility regulated by the PUCO and have a total household income at or below 150% of the 2020-2021 federal poverty guidelines.

Electricity In Ohio

In Ohio, customers served by one of the following utility companies can switch energy providers:

  • Duke Energy Ohio
  • AEP Ohio (Columbus Southern and Ohio Power)
  • First Energy (Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, and The Illuminating Company)
  • Dayton Power & Light (DP&L)

Apples to Apples, the PUCO Ohio electric rate comparison site aggregates information about certified electricity providers, plans, rates, and contracts, available based on your current utility and your zip code.

In addition, you can find there information about your rights as an electricity customer, view the map of competitive electricity providers in the state, learn how to read your electricity bill, or find out where your energy comes from.

However, there are some downfalls to the website tool (more on that later).

Natural Gas In Ohio

The natural gas market in Ohio is deregulated as well, allowing consumers to switch their service from public utilities to a competitive supplier. The Ohio PUCO Apples to Apples tool provides information regarding natural gas rates as well, structured similarly to electricity suppliers.

The customers can also benefit from information about:

  • Certified natural gas providers
  • How to read your meter and bill
  • Comparing offers and rates

Why Is ElectricRate a Better Comparison Site Than Energy Choice Ohio?

Like Apples to Apples, ElectricRate also allows you to compare available Ohio electricity rates, but unlike Apples to Apples our web-based comparison tool offers additional benefits.
duke-energy-apples-to-applesSwitch to your new service in a few clicks - While Ohio Apples to Apples displays all available rates in a table, that's about all you can do there. When you enter your zip code on ElectricRate, you will not only see all rates, with the cheapest deals displayed on the top of the list, but you can also sign up immediately with just a few clicks.
apples-to-apples-comparisonAll the information you need in one place - As customers, we all like excellent customer service and extras. That's why at ElectricRate, we carefully review all major suppliers and compile information about customer support hours, ratings, and extra benefits that they provide, such as attractive referral programs, complementary goods, and value-add services.
apples-to-apples-ohio-electricGet the support you need: Our team at ElectricRate is ready to provide ongoing support to customers, including helping you choose the plan that best fits your lifestyle, notifying you when your plan is about to expire and any additional support you might need. All you need to do is give us a call at 1-888-307-9636 or email  [email protected]

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