Q: How does electricity choice work in Ohio?

Ohio is a deregulated electricity market , which means you can choose a retail electric supplier (also called a CRES supplier) for the energy portion of your bill. Your local utility still handles power delivery, outage response, and safety , no matter which supplier you choose. If you don’t choose a supplier, your utility will automatically provide a default “standard service offer” (SSO) at the current Price to Compare.

Q: Is switching suppliers safe and reliable?

Yes. Switching only changes who supplies the electricity , not the wires or poles that deliver power. Your utility continues to maintain infrastructure and respond to outages. The switch is handled electronically, so there’s no installation visit and zero service downtime.

Q: Are there any fees to switch?

Joining a new supplier usually has no upfront fee , but some plans include an early termination fee (ETF) if you cancel before your contract ends. Always review: • ETF policies • Monthly service fees • Renewal terms • Promo conditions A plan with a rock-bottom intro rate can cost more long-term if it has hidden fees or steep renewal pricing.

Q: Should I choose a fixed or variable rate?

Most shoppers prefer fixed-rate plans because they stay stable over your contract term, great for budgeting and avoiding seasonal price spikes. Variable rates can change monthly and often rise after promos, so we recommend them only if you actively monitor the market .

Q: Can I get renewable or carbon-free energy in Ohio?

Definitely! Several suppliers offer 100% renewable power or carbon-free energy sourced through RECs or regional clean-energy portfolios. Pricing has become very competitive, so going green doesn’t always mean paying more.

Question 1

How does electricity choice work in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

Ohio is a deregulated electricity market, which means you can choose a retail electric supplier (also called a CRES supplier) for the energy portion of your bill. Your local utility still handles power delivery, outage response, and safety, no matter which supplier you choose. If you don’t choose a supplier, your utility will automatically provide a default “standard service offer” (SSO) at the current Price to Compare.

Question 2

What is the “Price to Compare”?

Accepted Answer

The Price to Compare (PTC) is the rate your utility charges for supply if you stick with the default plan. It’s your baseline to determine whether a competitive supplier’s offer will save you money. Since utility pricing updates throughout the year, it’s smart to check PUCO’s Apples-to-Apples website before you enroll.

Question 3

Is switching suppliers safe and reliable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Switching only changes who supplies the electricity, not the wires or poles that deliver power. Your utility continues to maintain infrastructure and respond to outages. The switch is handled electronically, so there’s no installation visit and zero service downtime.

Question 4

Are there any fees to switch?

Accepted Answer

Joining a new supplier usually has no upfront fee, but some plans include an early termination fee (ETF) if you cancel before your contract ends. Always review:
• ETF policies
• Monthly service fees
• Renewal terms
• Promo conditions
A plan with a rock-bottom intro rate can cost more long-term if it has hidden fees or steep renewal pricing.

Question 5

Should I choose a fixed or variable rate?

Accepted Answer

Most shoppers prefer fixed-rate plans because they stay stable over your contract term, great for budgeting and avoiding seasonal price spikes.
Variable rates can change monthly and often rise after promos, so we recommend them only if you actively monitor the market.

Question 6

What happens when my contract ends?

Accepted Answer

If you don’t pick a new plan, many suppliers will roll you onto a month-to-month variable rate, which is typically higher. To avoid surprises, set a renewal reminder 30–45 days before your contract ends and re-shop your options.

Question 7

Can I get renewable or carbon-free energy in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! Several suppliers offer 100% renewable power or carbon-free energy sourced through RECs or regional clean-energy portfolios. Pricing has become very competitive, so going green doesn’t always mean paying more.

David Cosseboom

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