Enbridge Gas Ohio Rates Jump 53% to $7.96 Today: Here is How to Lower Your Bill

Homeowners in Northeast and West Central Ohio are waking up to a harsh financial reality this morning. Enbridge Gas Ohio (formerly Dominion East Ohio) has officially updated its Standard Choice Offer (SCO) rate for the February billing period, and the price per unit of gas has nearly doubled compared to lows seen last autumn.

The new rate of $7.96 per Mcf (thousand cubic feet) replaces the January rate of $5.187. For the more than one million customers in the service territory who have not chosen a competitive supplier, this rate applies to all gas used between today and March 10.

Why Did Rates Spike?

While Enbridge Gas Ohio manages the pipelines and meters, they pass the cost of the natural gas itself directly to consumers with no markup. This price is determined by the national market, specifically the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

This month’s price surge is the result of a “perfect storm” in late January. Winter Storm Fern brought deep freeze conditions not just to Ohio, but to energy-producing regions in Texas and Louisiana. This extreme cold caused “freeze-offs” at wellheads, where liquid in the gas lines freezes and blocks flow.

According to industry data, U.S. gas production plummeted by nearly 10 billion cubic feet per day during the storm. This sudden drop in supply occurred exactly when the financial contracts for February gas were expiring, triggering a panic in the market that locked in this high price for the entire month.

How This Impacts Your Wallet

To understand the severity of this hike, we calculated the impact on a typical detached suburban home using 25 Mcf of gas during a cold February.

• At January Rates ($5.19/Mcf): The supply portion of the bill was approx. $130.
• At New February Rates ($7.96/Mcf): The supply portion jumps to approx. $199.

This represents a $69 increase for a single month, solely due to the price of gas. This does not include distribution charges or taxes, meaning total bills for larger or older homes could easily exceed $300 this month.

Who Is Impacted?

This rate change affects all customers in the Enbridge Gas Ohio footprint who are on the default Standard Choice Offer (SCO). This includes residents in the following major hubs:

• Cleveland & Cuyahoga County (Parma, Strongsville, Solon)
• Akron & Summit County (Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Fairlawn)
• Canton & Stark County (Massillon, North Canton)
• Youngstown & Mahoning County (Boardman, Austintown)
• Lima & Allen County
• Ashtabula, Warren, and Wooster

Note: If your community has a “Governmental Aggregation” program (e.g., NOPEC or a city-specific plan), check your bill. You may be shielded from this specific rate, though aggregation rates often adjust with the market as well.

Solution 1: Switch Suppliers Immediately

The most effective way to lower your bill is to leave the default SCO rate. Because the open market is pricing gas based on the future (spring and summer) rather than the panic of last month, competitive rates are significantly lower.

According to the PUCO Apples to Apples comparison tool, several suppliers are offering fixed rates well below the new $7.96 benchmark:

• Santanna Energy Services: Offers rates near $3.49/Mcf. Switching to this rate could save roughly $111 on 25 Mcf of usage compared to the utility rate. (Note: Watch for early termination fees).
• Ohio Gas & Electric / Energy Harbor: Offers rates in the $4.19 – $4.29 range with $0 early termination fees, providing flexibility if rates drop later in the year.

How to switch: Grab your recent bill, find your 13-digit account number, and visit Energy Choice Ohio to enroll. Learn more about switching natural gas providers

Solution 2: Financial Assistance

For households facing financial hardship, the state of Ohio offers emergency support. The Winter Crisis Program is currently open and runs through March 31, 2026.

Eligible households (at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines) can receive one-time grants to maintain service or prevent disconnection. Additionally, the PIPP Plus program allows eligible low-income customers to pay a fixed 5% of their monthly income for gas, regardless of how high market rates go.

• Apply Here

Solution 3: No-Cost Conservation

With rates near $8/Mcf, every therm saved is money in your pocket.

• Lower the Thermostat: Turning your heat down 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day (while at work or sleeping) can save up to 10% a year.
• Seal Leaks: Check for drafts around windows and doors.
• Water Heater: Lower the temperature to 120°F.

Disclaimer: Utilities For My Home does not sell natural gas and is not affiliated with Enbridge Gas Ohio. Rates and offers mentioned are subject to change by suppliers. Always read the “Fine Print” on supplier contracts regarding monthly fees and termination penalties.