- Free modem and anti-virus software
- No contracts and unlimited data
- 30 day money-back gurantee
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps**
- Plans starting at $30/month
Top 35 Electric Providers in Akron
Electricity is delivered to your home by Ohio Edison (a FirstEnergy company). However, because Ohio operates a fully deregulated energy market, you can choose who actually generates your power supply. Akron handles this automatically through its Municipal Electric Aggregation Program. The city’s default aggregation contract is with Dynegy (running through June 2028). The default rate is locked at 9.95¢ per kWh and features 100% Carbon-Free power. You are automatically enrolled unless you actively return the opt-out card. If you choose to opt out and stay on Ohio Edison’s standard floating “Price to Compare,” you’ll face rising wholesale grid pricing driven by rapid data center and AI power demand expanding across the region.
- 7.89¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 6-24 Months
- Carbon-Free Commitment
- 7.59¢ /kWh
- 0%
- None
- 12-20 Months
- Best for Flexibility
- 10.08¢ /kWh
- 6-100%
- None
- 8-36 Months
- Best for Low Rates
- 6.39¢ /kWh
- 25%
- None
- 1-6 Months
- Focus on Affordability
- 9.09¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 9-20 Months
- 100% Carbon-Free Electricity
- 0¢ /kWh
- 100%
- 90 days
- 12 Months
- Employee-Owned
- 8.09¢ /kWh
- None
- 8-24 Months
- 8.99¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 1-12 Months
- Zero Cancellation Fees
- 9.09¢ /kWh
- None
- 8-24 Months
- No Cancellation Fees
- 9.19¢ /kWh
- 90 days
- 8-24 Months
- Total Satisfaction Guarantee
- 9.29¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 8-24 Months
- No Cancellation or Extra Fees
- 9.99¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 3-24 Months
- 100% Renewable Energy
- 10.99¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 12 Months
- Price Protection Plans
- 12.7¢ /kWh
- 25-100%
- None
- 12-36 Months
- Earn Free Electricity Every Month
- 8.17¢ /kWh
- None
- 8.49¢ /kWh
- 31%
- 60 days
- 11-60 Months
- Popular Bill Credit Plans
- 9.09¢ /kWh
- 24%
- None
- 12-36 Months
- Best for Apartments
- 9.19¢ /kWh
- 9.2¢ /kWh
- 24%
- 90 days
- 12-36 Months
- Get Rewarded for Higher Usage
- 9.59¢ /kWh
- 9.7¢ /kWh
- 10¢ /kWh
- 10.02¢ /kWh
- 10.6¢ /kWh
- 10.7¢ /kWh
- None
- 3-12 Months
- Best for Rewards Programs
- 10.8¢ /kWh
- 100%
- None
- 12 Months
- 10.59¢ /kWh
- None
- 6-24 Months
- Wide Plan Selection
- 11.19¢ /kWh
- 26-100%
- 90 days
- 3-36 Months
- Proven Leader in Clean Energy
- 11.59¢ /kWh
- 9.89¢ /kWh
- None
- 6-12 Months
- No Sign Up or Cancellation Fees
- 11.99¢ /kWh
- 13¢ /kWh
- 10.99¢ /kWh
- 14.6¢ /kWh
See Top Plans in Your Area
Top 23 Natural Gas Providers in Akron
Natural gas is D=distributed across the city by Enbridge Gas Ohio (following their acquisition of Dominion Energy Ohio). Like the electric grid, natural gas is deregulated for supply procurement. Akron runs an opt-out municipal gas aggregation program, contracting directly with IGS Energy to provide a locked-in rate to guard your winter budget against volatile market spikes. If you opt out of the municipal pool to shop on your own or stick with Enbridge’s Standard Service Offer (SSO), keep an eye on fixed baseline charges; you will pay a monthly service fee even if your furnace stays completely turned off during a warm summer.
- $0.549 /therm
- 12-36 Months
- Best for Home Protection Bundles
- $0.249 /therm
- 1 Month
- Focus on Affordability
- $0.359 /therm
- 100% Renewable Energy
- $0.399 /therm
- 12 Months
- Employee-Owned
- $0.489 /therm
- 12-18 Months
- Trusted by 4 Million Customers
- $0.54 /therm
- Price Protection Plans
- $0.549 /therm
- 12-24 Months
- $0.2977 /therm
- Best for Rewards Programs
- $0.298 /therm
- $0.319 /therm
- $0.339 /therm
- $0.369 /therm
- $0.3764 /therm
- $0.389 /therm
- 100% Carbon-Free Electricity
- $0.549 /therm
- $0.559 /therm
- $0.595 /therm
- $0.6079 /therm
- Carbon-Free Commitment
- $0.625 /therm
- $0.659 /therm
- Popular Bill Credit Plans
- $0.8 /therm
- $0.9 /therm
- $0.3259 /CCF
See Top Plans In Your Area
Top 12 Internet Providers in Akron
Internet access in Akron is a fast-paced broadband turf war dominated by a universal cable presence from Spectrum and a rapidly expanding symmetrical fiber-to-the-home footprint from AT&T Fiber. Symmetrical gigabit speeds are widely accessible across most core residential tracts and newer subdivisions, but if you are moving into one of Akron’s historic homes or a multi-family property near downtown or the University of Akron, it is vital to coordinate your installation date at least two weeks before move-in. Older interior wiring or strict historical neighborhood easement guidelines can sometimes complicate the physical routing of fiber optic lines, dropping your property back down to standard coaxial cable tiers.
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 97.03%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 96.62%
- $34.00/mo
- Best for High Speed and Gamers
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 415 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 98.08%
- $20.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $65.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $55.00/mo
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 2 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- 13.76%
- $24.99/mo
- 7 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- 2.17%
- $29.99/mo
- 2 Gbps
- Fiber
- 1 TB
- 1.22%
- $29.00/mo
- 1 Gbps
- Cable
- Unlimited
- 1.33%
- $20.00/mo
Solar Providers in Akron
Water & Sewage Providers in Akron
Water and sewer services are managed directly by the City of Akron Utilities Business Office, which treats your drinking water from the upper Cuyahoga River at the Lake Rockwell plant. Your monthly statement is a combined municipal bill that reflects a major rate restructuring, which integrates a fixed monthly sewer charge of five dollars alongside a volumetric sewer treatment rate of $11.22 per hundred cubic feet, plus a fixed water infrastructure charge of nine dollars alongside a volumetric water rate of $3.06 per hundred cubic feet. This pricing structure significantly inflates the baseline cost of utility access for incoming households, though local residents who meet low-income thresholds can apply directly through the business office for a 40 percent billing discount via the Akron Water Bill Assistance Program.
Top 22 Trash and Recycling Providers in Akron
Trash and recycling collection is operated directly by the City of Akron Public Works Bureau under its unified Curb Service program, with a flat monthly fee of $24.84 automatically appended to your municipal water statement. Residents receive a green rolling cart for weekly household garbage and a blue rolling cart for weekly recycling, both of which must be wheeled to the curb after 4:30 PM the night before collection and brought back in by 6:00 PM on your service day. Because the city utilizes automated mechanical truck arms, your carts must be placed at least three feet apart from each other and from obstacles like mailboxes or parked vehicles, and the lids must be completely shut flat or the automated driver will bypass your house to prevent spilling litter into the street.
Utilities Summary for Akron, OH
| Electric Companies: | 35 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 23 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 1 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 22 |
| Municipal Electricity: | No |
Save Money on Akron Utilities: Energy, Internet & Sustainability Guide
Akron, located in Summit County, is a vibrant mid-sized city with a rich history and a unique blend of urban amenities and green spaces. Once known as the “Rubber Capital of the World” thanks to Goodyear and Firestone, the city has since transformed into a hub for healthcare, education, and technology. Neighborhoods like Highland Square, Merriman Valley, and Firestone Park each have their own charm, offering everything from lively arts scenes to quiet, family-friendly streets. With its affordable housing, strong community feel, and proximity to both Cleveland and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Akron makes a welcoming place to call home.
Electric Services in Akron
Electricity in Akron is primarily delivered by FirstEnergy’s Ohio Edison, which owns and maintains the poles, wires, and infrastructure that keep the lights on. Ohio Edison also offers an easy-to-use mobile app where customers can manage accounts, report outages, and track energy usage. While Ohio Edison handles delivery, Ohio is a deregulated state, which means you can choose your retail electricity supplier for the supply portion of your bill.
Deregulation in Ohio
Since the early 2000s, Ohio has allowed energy deregulation, giving residents the freedom to shop around for the best rate and plan that fits their needs. This can mean fixed-rate stability, renewable energy options, or special plans with added perks. Your bill will still come from Ohio Edison, but your chosen supplier determines your energy rate.
Top Electric Providers in Akron
- Direct Energy: Offers competitive fixed-rate plans and renewable energy options. They also provide a mobile app for bill pay, usage tracking, and plan management.
- APG&E: Known for straightforward plans with no hidden fees, and they often emphasize customer-first service.
- Xoom Energy: Provides flexible plan options, including month-to-month and renewable energy plans, making it a fit for both short-term renters and long-term homeowners.
- Energy Harbor: A regional provider offering fixed-rate stability and green energy options, with an emphasis on community partnerships and local investments.
Tips for Choosing an Electric Provider
- Compare fixed vs. variable rates, fixed offers budget predictability while variable can sometimes take advantage of market dips.
- Check for renewable energy options if sustainability is important to you.
- Look out for contract length and cancellation fees before signing.
Energy Efficiency & Rebates
Ohio Edison offers rebates to help customers save on energy costs and reduce usage. Examples include:
- Up to $50 rebate for ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerators and freezers.
- $25-$75 rebates on smart thermostats.
- Rebates for HVAC upgrades, such as up to $300 on efficient central air conditioners.
These programs make it easier to improve efficiency while lowering your long-term costs.
Natural Gas Services in Akron
Natural gas service in Akron is delivered by Dominion Energy Ohio, which manages the pipelines and ensures reliable service. Dominion also offers a mobile app where customers can view bills, make payments, and manage accounts easily. Like electricity, Ohio’s deregulated natural gas market lets you choose your supplier.
Top Natural Gas Providers in Akron
- Constellation: Offers fixed-rate natural gas plans and often combines them with renewable energy choices.
- Xoom Energy: Provides flexible options with both short- and long-term contracts.
- Santanna Energy: Known for competitive pricing and long-term fixed-rate plans.
- American Power & Gas: Promotes customer rewards programs and renewable-friendly plans.
Tips for Choosing a Natural Gas Provider
- Consider contract length and whether the plan is fixed or variable.
- Look for bundled discounts if you want both gas and electric from the same provider.
- Check if providers offer price protection during peak winter months.
Energy Efficiency & Rebates
Dominion Energy Ohio offers valuable rebates and efficiency programs:
- Rebates of up to $200 for high-efficiency natural gas furnaces.
- Up to $50 for smart thermostats.
- Savings on water heaters, insulation, and other energy upgrades.
These programs help households manage heating costs, especially important in Akron’s snowy winters.
Water Services in Akron
Water in Akron is provided by the City of Akron Water Department, which manages the distribution system and ensures clean, safe water. The city sources water from the Lake Rockwell Reservoir, supplemented by the Cuyahoga River and other nearby reservoirs. The water is treated at the Akron Water Supply Plant to maintain high safety standards.
Trash & Recycling in Akron
Trash and recycling collection in Akron is managed by the City of Akron Public Service Department. Residents receive carts for both trash and recycling, with collection typically occurring once a week depending on your neighborhood. The city also offers a mobile app, Akron Recycles, which helps residents track collection days, learn what items are recyclable, and receive reminders.
Recycling in Akron includes paper, cardboard, plastics (#1–7), glass, and metals. Yard waste is also collected seasonally. The city emphasizes waste reduction and sustainability by promoting composting and proper disposal of hazardous waste at designated drop-off locations.
Best Internet Providers in Akron
Akron has a competitive internet market, with multiple providers offering high-speed service. Fiber and 5G home internet are expanding, making Akron a solid choice for remote workers or households with heavy streaming needs.
- AT&T: Offers fiber in select neighborhoods, with speeds up to 5 Gbps and reliable customer support. Available in about 94% of the city.
- Spectrum: Provides cable internet with wide availability (almost 96% of Akron homes), no contracts, and free modem options.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: A newer option that uses T-Mobile’s 5G wireless network, ideal for those seeking flexible, no-contract service.
- Verizon 5G Home: Another wireless alternative, with strong speeds and often bundled discounts for Verizon mobile customers.
Conservation, Sustainability, & Green Energy in Akron
Akron has city-wide programs aimed at sustainability, separate from utility providers. The city participates in Summit County’s recycling and composting initiatives and has expanded green infrastructure projects like rain gardens to reduce stormwater runoff. Additionally, Ohio’s statewide Energy Efficiency Programs support renewable adoption, and residents can apply for grants or tax incentives when installing solar panels or energy-efficient appliances.
Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Akron
Moving into a new home often comes with higher-than-expected utility costs, especially during Akron’s cold winters or hot summers. Fortunately, both providers and local agencies offer programs to help residents manage bills and avoid disconnections. These range from payment plans to state-funded programs for low-income households.
Assistance from Energy Providers
Ohio Edison (Electric – part of FirstEnergy):
- Budget Billing: Spreads payments evenly throughout the year to avoid seasonal spikes.
- Payment Arrangements: Customized plans to help you pay down past-due balances while keeping current bills manageable.
- Neighbor-to-Neighbor Program: Funded by donations and administered by community action agencies, this program provides one-time assistance (typically up to $300) to eligible households facing disconnection.
Dominion Energy Ohio (Natural Gas):
- Budget Billing: Helps smooth out winter heating costs by averaging payments across the year.
- Special Payment Plans: Dominion offers extended payment arrangements, especially during winter moratorium periods (Nov–Apr) when disconnections for nonpayment are limited.
- EnergyShare Program: Provides emergency energy assistance funded by customer and company donations. Administered locally through nonprofit agencies.
City & Community Assistance Programs
- Akron Summit Community Action, Inc. (ASCA): Offers help with utility bills through federal and state programs like HEAP and PIPP Plus. They also assist with crisis programs during extreme weather.
- Emergency HEAP (E-HEAP): Provides a one-time benefit for households at risk of disconnection or already disconnected, covering the amount needed to restore or maintain service.
- Winter Crisis Program: Typically runs from Nov–Mar, offering emergency heating bill assistance for low-income households and seniors.
- Summit County Veterans Service Commission: Provides utility assistance for qualifying veterans and their families.
Statewide Ohio Programs
- HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program): Offers a one-time credit (usually $100–$500 depending on household size and income) applied directly to your heating bill.
- PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan): Eligible low-income households pay a set percentage of monthly income (typically 5% for electric, 5% for natural gas). If you make payments on time and in full, part of your outstanding balance is forgiven.
- HEAP Summer Cooling Program: Available in summer, this program helps eligible households with electric bills and can provide free air conditioning units or fans for health-related needs.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Provides free home energy efficiency upgrades—like insulation, furnace repair/replacement, and air sealing—helping reduce long-term utility costs.
Tips for Accessing Assistance
- Apply early, as funding for crisis programs can run out quickly.
- Contact Akron Summit Community Action for help navigating multiple programs with a single application process.
- Keep income verification documents, recent utility bills, and proof of residency handy, as these are required for most programs.
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Akron Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Akron
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | 5 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 415 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Kinetic | Fiber | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Frontier | Fiber | 7 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Brightspeed | Fiber | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Breezeline | Cable | 1 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "No Glass" curbside rule in Akron?
You are strictly prohibited from putting glass of any kind into your blue recycling cart. To drop contamination rates and protect sorting equipment, Akron completely removed glass from its curbside program. If you want to recycle your glass wine, beer, or pasta sauce bottles, you must collect them separately and drop them off at one of the six designated purple glass drop-off bins located at community centers and parks across the city.
How do the "Recycle Right" inspectors monitor my bins?
Every summer, the city deploys inspectors who physically flip open curbside blue recycling carts before the trucks arrive. If they spot unrinsed food containers, plastic bags, or banned items like glass, they will slap a bright “Oops” tag on your handle. If your bin receives repeated “Oops” violations, the city will confiscate your blue cart and revoke your recycling privileges entirely.
Do I really get free bulk trash pickups every single week?
Yes! On your normal collection day, you can place heavy bulk items—such as couches, mattresses, washers, or dressers—directly onto the curb next to your carts with zero advanced scheduling or phone calls required. You can even set out up to four automobile tires per year for free pickup. The only time you must call 3-1-1 to pre-schedule a pickup is if you have extra loose bags or garbage cans overflowing outside of your main green cart.
Why can't I bag my recycling?
Akron enforces a zero-tolerance policy for bagged recycling inside the blue cart. All items must be placed loose, clean, rinsed, and dry. If you bundle your aluminum cans or cardboard boxes inside a plastic grocery or garbage bag, the sorting facility workers will immediately pull the entire bag off the conveyor belt and chuck it into the landfill, as loose plastic bags tangle and destroy the automated sorting gears.
What are the strict cart clearance rules?
Because Akron utilizes automated mechanical truck arms, spacing is critical. Your green and blue carts must be placed at least three feet apart from each other and three feet away from stationary obstacles like mailboxes, trees, utility poles, and parked cars. Crucially, your cart lids must be completely shut tight. If your trash is protruding or the lid is propped open, the mechanical driver will pass your house by to avoid spilling litter into the street.
How do I opt out of the Dynegy aggregation rate?
When you set up your electric account with Ohio Edison, your information is automatically passed to Dynegy under the city’s aggregation program. If you prefer to shop for a custom fixed-rate plan on the open market via the state’s Energy Choice Ohio marketplace, or if you prefer to remain on Ohio Edison’s standard floating rate, you must call Dynegy at (888) 682-2170 or return their physical mailer within 21 days to formally opt out.
What is the "Smart Meter Opt-Out Fee" on my Ohio Edison bill?
If you prefer not to have a digital smart meter on your home for privacy or data transmission reasons, Ohio Edison will allow you to opt out. However, it comes with a catch: you will be charged a one-time upfront equipment exchange fee of $41.72 if the smart meter is already active, plus a mandatory $28.29 monthly fee appended to every statement just to cover the cost of dispatching a technician to manually read your analog meter dials.
Why is my Enbridge gas bill so high in July when my heat is turned off?
Many newcomers face immediate bill shock when they look at their summer natural gas statements. Enbridge Gas Ohio levies a baseline fixed Basic Service Charge of $43.43 per month, which spikes closer to $48.36 once mandatory capital expenditure and infrastructure riders are tacked on. You will pay this baseline infrastructure fee every single month regardless of whether your actual volumetric gas consumption drops to zero.
How do the new fixed municipal infrastructure fees affect my water statement?
Akron completely overhauled its utility billing model to finance aging water main repairs, breaking away from an entirely usage-based system. Your monthly statement now guarantees an automatic baseline charge of $9.00 for a water infrastructure rider and $5.00 for a fixed sewer treatment maintenance fee before you turn on a single faucet. Tracking these fixed elements is vital when projecting your fixed monthly baseline budget.
How do I avoid a surprise price spike on my Akron internet bill after the first year?
Broadband providers like Spectrum and AT&T Fiber aggressively market low introductory rates to secure new Akron activations. However, these contracts traditionally feature a hard 12-month promotional expiration, after which your monthly bill can automatically jump by $25 to $40 overnight. It is wise to set a calendar alert for day 350 of residency to call your provider’s retention department and renegotiate terms before the standard retail rate sets in.