What to know about electricity rates in Cincinnati, OH

  • Cincinnati residents pay 13.27 cents per kWh while the average national rate is 16.08 cents
  • The cheapest electricity rate is 5.94 cents per kWh for Cincinnati residents
  • You can shop rates from 56 available providers in Cincinnati

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Best Cincinnati, OH electricity rates

In the city of Cincinnati, you can find electricity rates that range from 5.94 cents to 29.14 cents per kWh. The best electricity plans in Cincinnati for you depend on how much power you use and when you use it. Comparing companies is the best way to find better rates. Below are some rates from popular electric companies in Cincinnati.

What is the cheapest electricity company in Cincinnati, OH?

Provider Service Rate (¢/kWh)
Dynegy Energy Services Energy 6.41
NextEra Energy Energy 6.83
Current Power & Gas Energy 7.17
Shipley Energy Energy 7.25
ResCom Energy Energy 7.36
Constellation Energy Energy 7.37
Astral Energy Energy 7.88
New Wave Energy Corporation Energy 7.96
AEP Energy Energy 8.13
Powervine Energy Energy 8.21

Because Ohio has a deregulated electricity market, Cincinnati residents 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. Cincinnati electricity providers offer different types of plans for residents and businesses to satisfy a range of needs.

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Average cost of electricity in Cincinnati, Ohio

According to our data, the average electricity rate in Cincinnati is 13.27 cents per kWh. This equates to an average residential bill of $117.20 per month. Our data also shows the average resident in Cincinnati uses 883 kWh per month. Below, you can see how Cincinnati's electricity rates compare to the averages in Ohio and the United States.

Rate Usage Bill
Cincinnati Average 13.27¢ 883 kWh $117.20
Ohio Average 16.62¢ 1,096 kWh $145.53
United States Average 16.08¢ 871 kWh $140.10

Since the average price is 13.27 cents per kWh or $117.20 per month for residential electricity, prices lower than these can be considered affordable. Electricity rates in Cincinnati, 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

We've analyzed the prices, terms, and conditions of popular Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati electricity providers

There are 56 electricity providers in Cincinnati, OH. 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 Cincinnati

Provider Service Type Rate (¢/kWh) Bill
Dynegy Energy Services Energy 6.41 $59.87
NextEra Energy Energy 6.83 $45.08
Current Power & Gas Energy 7.17 $70.71
Shipley Energy Energy 7.25 $61.90
ResCom Energy Energy 7.36 $16.82
Constellation Energy Energy 7.37 $65.61
Astral Energy Energy 7.88 $28.03
New Wave Energy Corporation Energy 7.96 $80.90
AEP Energy Energy 8.13 $66.40
Powervine Energy Energy 8.21 $95.48
Showing 10 of 56 providers

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Business electricity rates in Cincinnati, OH

Commercial rates are typically cheaper than residential rates in Cincinnati, Ohio because businesses consume a lot of energy. This means they get a volume discount on electricity. Think about how much power a corner store might use to run HVAC, refrigeration, security systems, lighting, and computers. It adds up. Our data shows the average business in Cincinnati pays 9.39 cents per kWh for electricity and has an average bill of $67,039 per month. They also use 7,138 kWh per month, which is a big increase from the residential average of 883 kWh.

Rate Usage Bill
Cincinnati Average 9.39¢ 7,138 kWh $670.39
Ohio Average 15.39¢ 2,639 kWh $406.15
United States Average 12.05¢ 5,603 kWh $675.03

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 Cincinnati, 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 your Cincinnati electricity provider

While Cincinnati'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.

Best time to switch electric companies in Cincinnati, 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

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Cincinnati's deregulated electricity market

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 Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati electricity rates

Compare Cincinnati electricity rates to save money and avoid overpaying in the deregulated market. Bills can vary greatly, with rates between 6 to 29 cents per kWh across different providers and plan structures. Take the time to read the fine print and do the math to figure out which is your best option.

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Electricity rates for cities near Cincinnati, Ohio

Electricity rates for other cities

Cincinnati, OH electricity rate FAQs

What is a good rate per kWh in Cincinnati?

In Cincinnati, Ohio, a good electricity rate falls between 12 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 Cincinnati today?

Cincinnati electricity rates currently average 13.27 cents per kWh, but you'll likely pay between 11 to 15 cents depending on your provider, location, and plan type.

Why is electricity so expensive in Cincinnati, OH right now?

Your Cincinnati electricity costs are high due to rising natural gas prices, expensive grid maintenance, and seasonal demand spikes. Customers pay more because utilities pass these operational costs directly to your monthly bills.

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.