What to know about electricity rates in Ohio

  • The average Ohio electricity rate is 16.67 cents per kWh while the average national rate is 16.06 cents
  • The cheapest electricity rate is 7.85 cents per kWh for Ohio residents
  • Ohio's deregulated electricity market includes 170 providers

Best Ohio electricity rates

Ohio electricity rates range from 7.85 cents to 21.27 cents per kWh. The rates you find vary depending on the providers and plans available to you, and comparing companies is the best way to find better rates. Below are some rates from popular electric companies in Ohio.

Rank Provider Service Rate (¢/kWh) Customers
1 Dynegy Energy Services Energy 6.39 352,841
2 NextEra Energy Energy 6.80 351,277
3 Current Power & Gas Energy 7.14 1,920
4 Shipley Energy Energy 7.22 7,865
5 ResCom Energy Energy 7.32 14
6 Constellation Energy Energy 7.34 108,053
7 Wellington Electricity Bundled 7.81 3,233
8 Astral Energy Energy 7.85 21
9 New Wave Energy Corporation Energy 7.93 1,779
10 Lodi, Ohio Electric Utility Bundled 7.96 2,185

Because Ohio has a deregulated electricity market, you have the flexibility to shop around for a cheaper electricity bill. Many states don't offer this choice. If you're looking to reduce your energy bill, consider switching to a different provider or plan. Ohio electricity providers offer different types of plans for residents and businesses to satisfy a range of needs.

Average cost of electricity in Ohio

According to our data, the average electricity rate in Ohio is 16.67 cents per kWh. This equates to an average residential bill of $144.68 per month. The national average rate is 16.06 cents per kWh, and Ohio ranks as the 36th lowest priced state in the nation.

Rate Usage Bill
Ohio Average 16.67¢ 868 kWh $144.68
United States Average 16.06¢ 867 kWh $139.28

Since the average price is 16.67 cents per kWh or $144.68 per month for residential electricity, prices lower than these can be considered affordable. Electricity rates in Ohio depend on your home size and usage, so the kWh rate is more useful when comparing your rate to the average.

Best electricity plans

In Ohio, the best electricity plans provide competitive rates, renewable energy options, and fixed or variable pricing. Top providers offer reliability, transparency, and customer incentives so you can save money and enjoy responsive support.

We've analyzed the prices, terms, and conditions of popular Ohio electricity plans. Below are our picks for the best residential plans in the state.

Provider Contract Term Rate Plan
18 months 6.49¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 6.59¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 6.59¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 6.69¢/kWh See Plan
6 months 6.79¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 6.79¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 6.79¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 6.89¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 6.89¢/kWh See Plan
9 months 6.99¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 7.09¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 7.89¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 7.99¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 8.19¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 8.49¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 8.49¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 9.19¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 9.39¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 9.49¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 9.49¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 9.59¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 9.69¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 9.79¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 9.89¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 10.69¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 10.89¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 10.99¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 10.99¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 11.09¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 11.19¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 11.29¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 11.39¢/kWh See Plan
18 months $4.79/kWh See Plan
36 months $4.99/kWh See Plan
18 months 59.9¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 61.9¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 62.4¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 66.9¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 67.9¢/kWh See Plan
36 months $6.79/kWh See Plan
36 months 80.9¢/kWh See Plan
36 months $8.19/kWh See Plan
36 months 83.9¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 90.9¢/kWh See Plan
24 months $9.19/kWh See Plan
36 months 93.9¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 94.9¢/kWh See Plan
24 months 97.9¢/kWh See Plan
36 months 97.9¢/kWh See Plan
24 months $10.40/kWh See Plan
24 months $1.06/kWh See Plan
24 months $1.13/kWh See Plan
24 months $1.21/kWh See Plan
See All Plans

Compare Ohio electricity providers

There are 168 electricity providers in Ohio. While some providers only serve specific areas, you have multiple options for electricity wherever you are. Different providers can offer different specials, plan types, and sales throughout the year. However, always read the fine print of the energy plans you consider to avoid hidden penalties.

Residential Electricity Providers in Texas

Provider Service Type Rate (¢/kWh) Rate State Rank Bill Bill State Rank
Dynegy Energy Services Energy 6.39 1 $58.87 6
NextEra Energy Energy 6.80 2 $44.33 3
Current Power & Gas Energy 7.14 3 $69.48 17
Shipley Energy Energy 7.22 4 $60.86 7
ResCom Energy Energy 7.32 5 $16.50 1
Constellation Energy Energy 7.34 6 $64.51 10
Wellington Electricity Bundled 7.81 7 $58.65 5
Astral Energy Energy 7.85 8 $27.67 2
New Wave Energy Corporation Energy 7.93 9 $79.54 32
Lodi, Ohio Electric Utility Bundled 7.96 10 $96.80 57
Showing 10 of 168 providers

Business electricity rates in Ohio

Commercial rates are typically cheaper than residential rates in Ohio because businesses consume much more energy than homes on average. Businesses basically get a volume discount on electricity since they use so much. Our data shows the average business in Ohio pays 15.31 cents per kWh for electricity and has an average bill of $40,794 per month.

Rate Usage Bill
Ohio Average 15.31¢ 2,664 kWh $407.94
United States Average 12.07¢ 5,570 kWh $672.49

Finding ways to reduce overhead costs is essential as a business owner. You have the opportunity to do that in a deregulated electricity market. Even reducing your electricity by one or two cents per kWh can make a huge difference when you have a high monthly bill. Compare commercial electricity rates to find the plan that makes the most sense for your business.

Best commercial electricity plans

Below are the top commercial electricity plans in Ohio.

Provider Contract Term Rate Plan
3 months 4.590¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 4.641¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 4.724¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 4.733¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 4.740¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 4.747¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 4.784¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 4.798¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 4.807¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 4.811¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 4.879¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 4.895¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 4.917¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 4.925¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 4.974¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 4.982¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 4.997¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 5.002¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 5.004¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 5.023¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 5.035¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 5.044¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 5.052¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 5.053¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 5.085¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 5.102¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 5.114¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 5.116¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.125¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 5.126¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 5.133¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 5.135¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 5.136¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 5.137¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 5.144¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 5.170¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 5.187¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 5.188¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 5.199¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 5.212¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 5.227¢/kWh See Plan
3 months 5.228¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 5.239¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.286¢/kWh See Plan
2 months 5.296¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.302¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 5.303¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 5.305¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 5.309¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.325¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 5.329¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 5.368¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.424¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 5.434¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 5.474¢/kWh See Plan
10 months 5.475¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 5.479¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 5.485¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.502¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 5.504¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.517¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 5.525¢/kWh See Plan
9 months 5.526¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 5.532¢/kWh See Plan
13 months 5.534¢/kWh See Plan
1 months 5.535¢/kWh See Plan
6 months 5.537¢/kWh See Plan
17 months 5.547¢/kWh See Plan
4 months 5.565¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.573¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 5.585¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 5.591¢/kWh See Plan
8 months 5.599¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 5.613¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 5.613¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.618¢/kWh See Plan
10 months 5.624¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 5.627¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 5.633¢/kWh See Plan
15 months 5.635¢/kWh See Plan
16 months 5.635¢/kWh See Plan
17 months 5.645¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.651¢/kWh See Plan
18 months 5.655¢/kWh See Plan
7 months 5.657¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 5.657¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 5.661¢/kWh See Plan
22 months 5.661¢/kWh See Plan
5 months 5.664¢/kWh See Plan
10 months 5.664¢/kWh See Plan
13 months 5.670¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 5.675¢/kWh See Plan
23 months 5.675¢/kWh See Plan
21 months 5.678¢/kWh See Plan
14 months 5.679¢/kWh See Plan
17 months 5.679¢/kWh See Plan
12 months 5.680¢/kWh See Plan
9 months 5.682¢/kWh See Plan
11 months 5.683¢/kWh See Plan
10 months 5.687¢/kWh See Plan
See All Plans

How to switch Ohio electricity companies

While Ohio's deregulated electricity market offers considerable flexibility in choosing your power provider, understanding the switching process guarantees you'll make an informed decision that benefits your household.

To switch providers effectively:

  • Review your current "Price to Compare" on your utility bill
  • Visit PUCO's Apples to Apples chart to compare supplier rates and terms
  • Contact your chosen supplier to verify the terms and conditions
  • Allow the new supplier to handle enrollment with your utility company

You'll maintain continuous service throughout the conversion, and your utility company will still handle delivery and billing.

When is the best time to switch energy providers in Ohio?

Switching providers at the right time can help you save more money on your energy bill.

Monitor these key timing indicators:

  • Switch before summer to avoid peak demand rates
  • When supplier rates fall below your utility's "Price to Compare"
  • Before announced rate hikes, particularly FirstEnergy's June increases
  • During periods of lower auction rates

To maximize your savings, consider switching when:

  • Multiple suppliers are offering competitive fixed-rate plans
  • Renewable energy investments are driving stable rates
  • Infrastructure upgrades are completed in your area
  • Time-varying rate plans align with your usage patterns

How deregulated electricity works in Ohio

Three key components form the foundation of Ohio's deregulated electricity market: generation, transmission, and distribution.

This system operates under the PJM Interconnection wholesale market, where power plants compete to sell electricity.

In this deregulated environment, you're free to choose between Competitive Retail Electricity Service (CRES) providers or Standard Service Offer (SSO) providers for your electricity supply.

The market uses locational marginal pricing to manage transmission congestion and encourage infrastructure development.

While studies show mixed results, deregulation has helped Ohio outperform regulated Midwest states in controlling electricity costs, though utilities can still pass certain non-regulated costs to customers.

Types of electricity plans in Ohio

Ohio residents can choose from several distinct electricity plan types, each offering unique advantages and potential trade-offs for consumers' specific needs.

  • Fixed-Rate Plans: Lock in a single per-kWh rate for 3-36 months, providing predictable bills but potentially higher costs if market prices drop.
  • Variable-Rate Plans: Offer flexibility with no contracts but expose you to market price fluctuations.
  • No-Deposit and Prepaid Plans: Eliminate upfront deposits and allow precise budgeting, though rates tend to be higher.
  • Renewable Energy Plans: Support green initiatives through wind and solar power, typically at premium rates.

Compare Ohio electricity rates

Compare Ohio electricity rates to save money and avoid overpaying in the deregulated market. Your bill can vary greatly depending on the provider and plan structure. Take the time to read the fine print and do the math to figure out which is your best option.

Ohio electricity rate FAQs

What is a good rate per kWh in Ohio?

In Ohio, a good electricity rate falls between 11 cents to 14 cents per kWh. Tired of high bills? Shop during spring and fall to lock in lower prices before HVAC use spikes in the summer or winter.

What are electric rates in Ohio today?

Ohio electricity rates currently average 16.67 cents per kWh, but you'll likely pay between 11 to 16 cents depending on your provider, location, and plan type.

Why is electricity so expensive in Ohio right now?

Your Ohio electricity costs may be high because of massive grid upgrades and rising natural gas prices. You'll pay more as utilities spend billions on infrastructure while data centers and extreme weather strain the system.

Will electricity get cheaper in the future?

Electricity rates fluctuate due to energy demand, fuel costs, grid infrastructure, and regulatory policies. While short-term declines may occur, long-term trends often show increases due to inflation, grid modernization, and shifts to renewable energy.