Compare Utility Providers in Cincinnati, OH

Top 47 Electric Providers in Cincinnati

See Top Plans in Your Area

Top 31 Natural Gas Providers in Cincinnati

See Top Plans In Your Area

Top 9 Internet Providers in Cincinnati

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas. **2 Gbps speed available in select markets.

Solar Providers in Cincinnati

Water & Sewage Providers in Cincinnati

Top 17 Trash and Recycling Providers in Cincinnati

Utilities Summary for Cincinnati, OH

Electric Companies:	47
Natural Gas Companies:	31
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	17
Municipal Electricity:	No

A Guide to Utility Services in Cincinnati

Nestled along the Ohio River, Cincinnati blends historic charm with modern innovation. Known for its rich arts scene, family-friendly neighborhoods, and vibrant sports culture, it’s a city full of character. As you settle in, one of the most important steps is getting your utilities up and running, so let’s walk through everything you need to know about electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, green energy options, and available assistance programs.

Powering Your Home: The Duke Energy vs. Supplier Guide

If you are moving to Cincinnati from out of state, your electricity bill might look different than you are used to. Ohio is a “Choice” state, which means the company that delivers your power is different from the company that generates it.

Understanding this difference is the key to avoiding scams and keeping your monthly budget in check.

The Distributor: Duke Energy Ohio

Duke Energy is the non-negotiable part of the equation. They own the poles, wires, and gas pipelines connected to your home. Regardless of who you buy your electricity from, Duke Energy is responsible for delivering it and maintaining the safety of the grid.

• Service Territory: Duke serves approximately 840,000 electric customers across Southwest Ohio.
• Emergency Contact: If your power goes out or you smell gas, do not call your supplier. You must contact Duke Energy immediately.
  • Electric Outage Reporting: 800-543-5599
  • Gas Leaks & Emergencies: 800-634-4300
• New Service Setup: To turn on service at your new address, you should contact Duke Energy at least 3 business days before your move-in date.
  • Start Service Online
  • Phone: 800-544-6900
• Offers the Smart $aver® program, which provides rebates on energy-efficient appliances and HVAC upgrades.
• Customers can track usage, set up alerts, and enroll in budget billing via the Duke Energy mobile app or online portal.

The “Good Payment” Deposit Waiver

Duke Energy typically runs a credit check for new accounts. If a security deposit is required, know that it is not lost money. If you maintain a good payment record (no more than one late payment) for 12 months, the deposit can be waived or refunded after 24 months of continuous service.

The Supplier: Your “Energy Choice”

In Ohio, you have the right to choose the company that generates your electricity. This is known as Competitive Retail Electric Service (CRES).

If you do nothing, you will be automatically enrolled in Duke Energy’s “Standard Service Offer.” However, you can often find lower rates by shopping around.

• The “Price to Compare” (PTC): This is the most important number on your bill. It is the rate Duke Energy charges for generation. You should use this as your benchmark.
  • Current Benchmark: As of January 2026, the residential Price to Compare for Duke Energy Ohio is approximately 10.06 cents per kWh. If a supplier offers you a rate higher than this, you will pay more than necessary.
• How to Shop Safely: The only official, unbiased source for comparing supplier rates is the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) website.

Warning: Be careful with “Variable Rate” plans. These often start with a low introductory rate but can spike significantly after the first few months. We generally recommend sticking to “Fixed Rate” plans to keep your budget predictable.

Top 5 Electric Suppliers in Cincinnati, OH

Energy Harbor – 4.8 / 5.0

Best Overall Value & Transparency

Energy Harbor is a fully integrated energy producer and retailer headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Born from the restructuring of FirstEnergy Solutions, the company has established itself as a major player in the US power market with a specific focus on carbon-free baseload generation. They serve nearly one million residential and commercial customers, leveraging their fleet of nuclear power plants to provide price stability that many asset-light competitors cannot match.

Why We Ranked Them #1: Energy Harbor takes the top spot for 2026 because they consistently score highest on our “Fees & Fine Print” (15% weight) and “Price & Value” (35% weight) metrics. Unlike many competitors who attach $150 early termination fees to their contracts, Energy Harbor typically offers their “Safe Harbor” residential plans with $0 Early Termination Fees. This transparency, combined with fixed rates that are currently undercutting the Cincinnati municipal aggregation rate, makes them the safest and most flexible choice for the average household.

What Customers in Ohio Are Saying: Customer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding billing simplicity. Reviews frequently mention the “no-nonsense” approach to contracts and the ease of switching. While some historical feedback cites aggressive door-to-door sales (a common industry issue), recent verified reviews highlight the seamless nature of their digital enrollment process and fair renewal offers.

Best For: Renters and risk-averse homeowners who want a competitive fixed rate without being locked into a contract by high cancellation fees.

Constellation – 4.6 / 5.0

Best for Long-Term Stability

Constellation is the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy and a Fortune 200 company serving over 2 million residential customers. As the retail arm of a massive generation fleet (formerly part of Exelon), they have the financial fortitude to weather extreme market volatility. They are a “blue-chip” provider in the deregulated energy space, offering everything from standard power to renewable energy products and smart home bundles.

Why We Ranked Them #2: Constellation scores exceptionally well on “Reliability” (20%) and “Plan Breadth” (10%). They are one of the few suppliers offering true long-term stability with fixed-rate contracts extending up to 36 months. While their rates are sometimes slightly higher than the absolute lowest “teaser” rates on the market, the premium buys you industry-leading customer service and the security of a contract backed by a massive balance sheet.

What Customers in Ohio Are Saying: Ohio residents frequently describe Constellation as “professional” and “reliable.” Long-term customers appreciate the stability of their bills and the quality of the online account portal. The few negative reviews tend to focus on the renewal process, where customers who forgot to renew were moved to a variable rate, underscoring the importance of managing your contract end-date.

Best For: Homeowners who want to “set it and forget it” by locking in a price for 3 years to protect against inflation and capacity market spikes.

3. IGS Energy – 4.5 / 5.0

Best for Green Energy & Local Support

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, IGS Energy is one of the largest independent, family-owned energy suppliers in the country.15 They have built a strong reputation over the last 30 years by focusing on sustainability and community involvement. Unlike many competitors who view green energy as a niche product, IGS has integrated carbon-neutral natural gas and renewable electricity into the core of their business model.

Why We Ranked Them #3:

IGS Energy is the clear leader for our “Price & Value” metric when filtered for renewable energy. For Cincinnati residents looking to beat the city’s aggregation rate while still supporting green energy, IGS is the top choice. They combine competitive pricing (often in the 9.7¢ – 10.9¢ range) with a strong local presence, scoring highly on “Independent Trust Signals” (10%).

What Customers in Ohio Are Saying: Local sentiment is warm toward IGS as a “hometown” brand with a conscience. Reviews often highlight the company’s commitment to solar and sustainable projects in Ohio. Customer service is generally rated highly, though like many major suppliers, there are occasional complaints regarding the tactics of third-party sales vendors.

Best For: Eco-conscious Cincinnati residents who want to support an Ohio-based company and use green energy without overpaying.

4. AEP Energy – 4.3 / 5.0

Best Brand Trust & Rewards

AEP Energy is the competitive retail subsidiary of American Electric Power, one of the largest and most respected utility holding companies in the U.S. While distinct from the regulated utility (AEP Ohio), they leverage the same heritage of operational excellence. They supply electricity to hundreds of thousands of customers across the PJM grid, offering a reliable alternative to the local utility default.

Why We Ranked Them #4: AEP Energy ranks highly on “Independent Trust Signals” (10%) and “Plan Breadth” (10%). Their affiliation with AEP provides immediate peace of mind for customers wary of unknown brands. They differentiate themselves with the AEP Energy Reward Store, where customers can earn credits toward smart thermostats and energy-saving devices, adding tangible value beyond the kilowatt-hour rate.

What Customers in Ohio Are Saying: Users consistently praise the clarity of AEP Energy’s bills and the lack of hidden fees. The brand trust is high; many customers feel safer buying power from a company carrying the “AEP” name than from less recognizable competitors. Positive feedback frequently mentions the value of the reward points for smart home upgrades.

Best For: Tech-savvy homeowners who can utilize the Reward Store perks, and anyone prioritizing brand recognition and trust.

5. Public Power – 3.8 / 5.0

Best for High-Usage Homes

Public Power is a value-focused brand under the Vistra Corp umbrella, a Fortune 500 integrated power company. They specialize in offering rate structures that can provide significant savings for specific types of users. Backed by Vistra’s massive generation assets, they are a financially stable provider that competes aggressively on price.

Why We Ranked Them #5: Public Power enters the top 5 specifically for their value to high-consumption households. They frequently offer rates that appear drastically lower than the market average (e.g., 8-9¢ range) but pair them with a monthly flat fee (often $10-$15).25 While this hurts their score on “Fees & Fine Print” due to complexity, it mathematically results in the lowest effective rate for homes using over 2,000 kWh per month.

What Customers in Ohio Are Saying: Reviews are polarized based on usage. High-usage customers (those with EVs or large homes) rave about the savings, often seeing bills significantly lower than the utility default. Conversely, lower-usage customers who didn’t read the fine print regarding the monthly fee often express frustration, pulling down the overall sentiment score.

Best For: High-usage households (2,000+ kWh/month) who can do the math to ensure the flat fee is offset by the lower per-kWh rate.

Why Trust These Rankings?

Our rankings are independent, data-driven, and devoid of “pay-to-play” influence. To determine the scores above, we analyzed Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) “Apples to Apples” rate filings to verify pricing, cross-referenced complaint ratios from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to gauge reliability, and stress-tested parent company financials to ensure stability in a volatile market.

We believe that a cheap rate is only good if the company behind it is honest. That’s why our algorithm weights Price & Value (35%) and Reliability & Complaints (20%) as the two most critical factors.

Read more about Our Methodology for Ranking Electric Suppliers

Community Aggregation: That “Opt-Out” Letter

Shortly after you move in, you may receive a letter from your local township or municipality (such as the City of Cincinnati, Blue Ash, or Colerain) stating that you will be automatically enrolled in an energy program unless you “opt out.”

Do not panic. This is not a scam.

• What is it? This is Community Aggregation. Your local government has negotiated a bulk rate for all residents, often to secure a lower price or 100% renewable energy.
• What should you do? Compare the rate offered in the letter to the current Duke “Price to Compare” (listed on your bill or the PUCO website).
  • If the aggregation rate is lower, you can simply do nothing; you will be enrolled automatically.
  • If you prefer to stay with Duke or choose your own supplier, follow the instructions in the letter to opt out. There is no penalty for opting out during this window.

Heating Your Home: The Natural Gas Guide

Just like electricity, the natural gas market in Cincinnati is deregulated. This means you have choices, but it also creates a complex billing structure. Duke Energy Ohio delivers the gas, but you can choose who you buy it from.

The Distributor: Duke Energy

Duke Energy owns the pipelines and meters. No matter who you buy your gas from, Duke Energy charges you for distribution (delivery).

• Emergency: If you smell gas (rotten eggs) or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and call Duke Energy at 800-634-4300.
• Digging? Before installing a fence or planting a tree, you must call 811 (OUPS) at least 48 hours in advance to have underground lines marked. This is a free service required by law.

Your Supply Options: SCO vs. Fixed Rate

If you do not choose a specific supplier, you are placed on the Standard Choice Offer (SCO).

• How SCO Works: You are assigned a supplier selected by Duke Energy. The rate is variable and changes monthly based on the market price of natural gas (NYMEX) plus a small retail adjustment.
  • Pros: You always pay the current market rate, which can be very low in mild winters.
  • Cons: Your bill is unpredictable. If global gas prices spike, your bill spikes immediately.
• Fixed Rate Plans: You can shop for a supplier who offers a locked-in rate for 12 or 24 months. This offers budget stability but may be more expensive than the SCO if market prices drop.
  • Compare Rates: Use the PUCO Apples to Apples tool to compare gas suppliers.

City of Cincinnati Aggregation

The City of Cincinnati has a negotiated bulk rate for natural gas, similar to its electric program.

• Current Status: As of late 2025/2026, the City’s program often offers a fixed rate (e.g., ~$0.619 per CCF) designed to protect residents from extreme market volatility.
• Eligibility: Residents are automatically enrolled unless they opt out.
• Check Your Rate: You can view the current City aggregation rate and compare it to Duke’s current SCO rate.

Budgeting for Winter (The “Budget Billing” Solution)

Natural gas bills in Cincinnati are highly seasonal. A drafty Victorian home in neighborhoods like Clifton or Walnut Hills can see gas bills jump from $30 in July to $250+ in January.

• Recommendation: Enroll in Budget Billing with Duke Energy immediately. This averages your estimated annual usage into 12 equal monthly payments, preventing the dreaded “holiday bill shock” in December and January.

Decoding the “Omni-Bill”: Water, Sewer, and More

If you are moving from a city where you receive separate bills for water, sewer, and trash, the Cincinnati system may surprise you.

The Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) acts as the billing agent for multiple services. This means your single monthly “Water Bill” is actually a consolidated invoice for up to four different municipal services.

What is on your bill?

When you open your GCWW bill, you will likely see line items for:

• Water: Charges from GCWW for the water you actually drink and use.
• Sewer: Charges from the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD). Note: Due to federally mandated infrastructure updates (“Project Groundwork”), sewer rates in Cincinnati are significant and often exceed the cost of the water itself.
• Stormwater: A fee based on the “impervious surface” (concrete/roof) area of your property, used to maintain storm drains.
• Waste Collection: If you live within the City of Cincinnati limits, your trash collection fee is often included here rather than in your taxes.

The “Summer Sewer Cap” (Budget Pro-Tip)

Because sewer charges are high, MSD offers a financial safeguard for homeowners known as the Summer Sewer Cap.

• How it works: During the summer months, the utility assumes that extra water usage is for outdoor activities (watering lawns, washing cars, filling pools) and does not enter the sewer system.
• The Calculation: Your summer sewer fees are capped based on your average daily usage during the winter months (typically January, February, and March).
• The Strategy: To keep your summer bills low, try to conserve water during the winter “base” period. This sets a lower cap for the rest of the year.

Setting Up Service

• Online: The easiest way to start service is via the My GCWW portal. You can manage autopay and view daily usage charts here.
• Phone: Call 513-591-7700.
• Timing: Try to schedule your start date at least 2 business days in advance.

Renters vs. Landlords: In Cincinnati, water, sewer, and trash charges stay with the property, meaning the owner is ultimately liable for unpaid bills.

• For Renters: You can set up a “tenant account” to receive a courtesy bill in your name, but many landlords prefer to keep the bill in their name and add it to the rent to ensure it is paid. Clarify this with your landlord before move-in.

Water Quality & Safety

• Hardness: Cincinnati has “moderately hard” water (approx. 7-8 grains per gallon). You generally do not need a water softener, but some residents prefer one.
• “No ID, No Entry”: GCWW has a strict safety policy. All field employees carry a photo ID. Never let a worker into your home to “check the meter” or “test the water” unless they show this ID. If you are unsure, keep the door locked and call 513-591-7700 to verify their work order.

Rebates and Water Conservation

• GCWW promotes water efficiency with low-flow showerhead and faucet giveaways.
• Rebates may be available for rain barrels or irrigation system upgrades.
• Leak detection services are available for homeowners to reduce water waste.

Trash & Recycling: The City vs. Suburb Split

Trash collection in Cincinnati is not one-size-fits-all. Your service provider depends entirely on your specific municipality and the type of building you live in.

Living in the City of Cincinnati (1–4 Unit Homes)

If you live within the Cincinnati city limits in a single-family home or a small apartment building (up to 4 units), your trash collection is managed by the Department of Public Services (DPS).

• The “Dwelling” Rule: Buildings with 5 or more units are considered “commercial” and are not eligible for city trash pickup. If you move into a large apartment complex, your landlord must contract a private hauler (usually Rumpke).
• The Cart System: You cannot just use any trash can. You must use a “City-approved” cart compatible with the automated lifting arms on the trucks.
  • Moving Tip: If your new home is missing its cart, or you need a larger one, you can purchase/register one through the 311Cincy app or by calling 513-591-6000.
• Bulk Items (Furniture/Mattresses): You cannot simply leave a couch on the curb. You must schedule a bulk pickup in advance via the 311Cincy Portal.
  • Limit: Up to 5 items per scheduled pickup.
  • Mattress Rule: For safety, mattresses and upholstered furniture should be wrapped in plastic before being placed at the curb to prevent bed bug spread.

Living in the Suburbs (or Large Apartments)

If you live in a township (like Anderson, Delhi, or Green) or a municipality like Norwood, your service is likely provided by Rumpke.

• The Red & Brown Trucks: Rumpke is the dominant private hauler in the region.
• Setup: In many suburbs, Rumpke service is set up automatically via the municipality, but billing methods vary. Some include it in property taxes, while others require a direct subscription. Check your township’s website immediately upon moving in.
• Contact: If you need to set up service individually, contact Rumpke at 1-800-828-8171.

Recycling Rules: The “No Bag” Policy

Whether you have City or Rumpke service, the recycling rules in Cincinnati are strict regarding one item: Plastic Bags.

• The Golden Rule: Never put your recyclables inside a plastic grocery bag. Plastic bags jam the sorting machines at the recycling plant. Keep recyclables loose in your bin.
• What is Accepted: Glass bottles/jars, aluminum/steel cans, plastic bottles/jugs (keep lids on), and cardboard.
• What is NOT Accepted: Plastic bags, batteries, clothing, hose/wires, and Styrofoam.

The “Hard-to-Recycle” Solution: The Hub

For items that cannot go in your curbside bin, like electronics, Styrofoam, lightbulbs, and plastic bags, Cincinnati has a unique resource: the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub.

• Location: Lower Price Hill (911 Evans St).
• What they take: They accept a massive array of items that curbside programs reject.
• Know Before You Go: As of January 1, 2026, the Hub has implemented a small drop-off fee (starting at ~$15/month or per drop-off) to cover processing costs. It is a fantastic resource for clearing out “moving waste” responsibly.

Yard Waste (Seasonal)

• City Residents: Yard waste is collected bi-weekly on your recycling day, typically from April through early January.
• The Rules: You must use paper yard waste bags or a dedicated can marked “Yard Waste.” Plastic bags are strictly prohibited and will be left at the curb.

Best Internet Providers in Cincinnati

Cincinnati offers a competitive internet market with fiber, cable, DSL, and 5G wireless options. The best provider for your home depends on location, speed requirements, and bundling options.

Top Internet Providers:

• Altafiber (formerly Cincinnati Bell)
  • Available to about 94% of the city
  • Offers fiber internet up to 2 Gbps with symmetrical speeds.
  • Includes whole-home Wi-Fi solutions.
  • Locally headquartered and well-regarded for customer service.
• Spectrum
  • Covers almost 94% of homes in Cincinnati
  • Offers cable internet up to 1 Gbps.
  • No contracts or data caps.
  • Often bundled with TV and phone services.
• AT&T Fiber
  • Available in select areas, about 50% of the city, with speeds up to 5 Gbps.
  • Strong bundling discounts with wireless service.
• T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
  • Offers wireless home internet with speeds averaging 100–300 Mbps.
  • Great for renters or areas without fiber.
• HughesNet & Viasat
  • Satellite options for rural or hard-to-reach areas.
  • Slower speeds and higher latency.

Budgeting for Your Cincinnati Utilities

One of the biggest questions for new residents is: “How much is this going to cost?”

To help you plan, we have compiled estimates for a standard 2-bedroom home or apartment (approx. 1,000 sq. ft.) in the Cincinnati area. Please note that these are estimates; older homes with poor insulation (common in neighborhoods like Hyde Park or Northside) may have significantly higher heating/cooling costs.

Estimated Monthly Utility Budget

Utility Service	Estimated Monthly Cost	Factors Influencing Cost
Electricity	$90 – $145	Heavily seasonal. High usage in summer (A/C) and winter (if you have electric heat).
Natural Gas	$50 – $130	Winter peak for heating. Summer bills can be as low as $30-$40 (cooking/hot water only).
Water & Sewer	$60 – $90	Warning: Sewer fees in Cincinnati are high and often exceed the cost of the water itself.
Internet	$50 – $80	Depends on speed tier (e.g., 500 Mbps vs. 1 Gig). Promotional rates often expire after 12 months.
Trash	$0 – $30	City of Cincinnati: Typically included in taxes (no monthly fee). Suburbs: Often billed quarterly ($60-$90) or added to your water bill.
TOTAL	$250 – $475	Varies by season, home efficiency, and household size.

The “Hidden” Costs to Watch For

• The Sewer Surprise: As mentioned in the Water section, your water bill includes sewer charges from MSD. Do not budget based solely on water usage; expect the sewer portion to double that line item.
• Old Housing Stock: Cincinnati has beautiful historic architecture, but 100-year-old windows are drafty. If you are renting an older unit, budget for the higher end of the Electric and Gas ranges.
• Introductory Internet Rates: Both Altafiber and Spectrum offer attractive “New Customer” rates. Be aware that these typically jump by $20-$30/month after the first year.

How to Get the Real Numbers (The “12-Month Average”)

Don’t guess, ask for data. Before you sign a lease or close on a house, you have two ways to verify the utility costs for that specific address:

1. Ask the Landlord/Seller: Request to see the “Average Monthly Utility Cost” for the past year.
2. Call the Utility: You can call Duke Energy (800-544-6900) and provide the specific address. While they cannot give you the previous owner’s personal details, they can often provide the high, low, and average monthly bill amounts for that service address over the last 12 months. This is the most accurate way to build your budget.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Cincinnati

Utility bills can be a burden, especially for low-income households. Fortunately, several programs offer help.

City and State Resources

• PIPP Plus (Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus)
  • Caps monthly electric and gas bills at a set percentage of your income.
  • Must apply through your local Community Action Agency.
• HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
  • Offers winter and summer crisis funds to help with heating or cooling bills.
  • Apply through Ohio Development Services Agency.
• WarmUp Cincy
  • Provides funding for energy-efficiency upgrades in low-income rental housing.
• 513Relief.org
  • Connects residents with emergency rental and utility bill assistance during financial hardship.
• Salvation Army & St. Vincent de Paul
  • Offer crisis utility bill payment assistance throughout the city.

Conservation and Green Energy Initiatives

Cincinnati is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and clean energy.

Noteworthy Programs

• Cincinnati’s Green Electricity Aggregation Program provides 100% renewable electricity to city residents who don’t opt out.
• The Green Cincinnati Plan outlines carbon neutrality by 2050.
• PACE financing is available for homeowners and businesses making energy-efficiency upgrades.
• Residents can opt into Duke Energy’s Renewable Advantage program to offset usage with solar or wind energy credits.

Cincinnati Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Cincinnati

Cincinnati Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.