Consumer Advocate · 7+ years in energy markets
Energy market veteran focused on making electricity shopping simple and transparent.
How We Ensure Accuracy
Since 2009, the team at ElectricRates.org has helped over 5 million energy consumers find better electricity rates. Supplier information comes from state regulators, company filings, and documented customer feedback. Read the editorial standards & see our methodology.
Ohio Electricity Market at a Glance
Leading Ohio Electricity Suppliers (2026)
The major PUCO-certified electricity suppliers serving Ohio residential customers include both national energy companies and Ohio-based providers. All suppliers below are licensed to serve customers of AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, AES Ohio, Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, and Cleveland Illuminating Company.
Major National Suppliers
- Constellation Energy – Fixed and variable plans, renewable options
- Direct Energy – Renewable options, budget billing
- Public Power – Focus on affordable fixed-rate plans
Ohio-Based Suppliers
- IGS Energy – Dublin, OH headquartered, local service
- Clearview Energy – Green energy options
- AEP Energy – Competitive arm of AEP Ohio utility
Rates change frequently—enter your ZIP code above to see current offers for your specific utility territory. All suppliers listed are verified on PUCO's certified supplier list.
What "electricity choice" means
Ohio's Energy Choice program lets you pick your electricity supplier. Here's what that means for you:
- The electricity is identical. Your utility handles delivery and reliability regardless of supplier.
- What differs is price and contract terms. Compare rates, ETFs, and monthly fees.
- All suppliers must be PUCO-certified. This ensures basic consumer protections.
Suppliers by situation
Short-term or renting
If you're not sure how long you'll be at your address, avoid 12+ month contracts.
APGE offers 4-month contracts with no monthly fees. Green energy
Some suppliers offer renewable energy plans and EV owner perks. But watch the fine print on variable rates.
Clearview Energy has green plans and EV benefits. Read the variable rate terms carefully. Try before committing
One supplier lets you cancel within 90 days with no penalty.
Constellation has a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. After that, ETF is $100-150. Gas and electric bundles
If you also have natural gas service, you can get both from one company.
WGL Energy (part of AltaGas) offers dual fuel. Green plans available. Established companies
Some people want a company that's been around a while.
Santanna Energy is employee-owned since 1988. Some plans have a $9.99/mo fee. Quick reference
| Supplier | Min term | Mo. fee | Cancel fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APGE | 4 mo | $0 | Varies | Short terms |
| Clearview | 1 mo | Varies | Varies | Green/EV |
| Constellation | 12 mo | $0 | $100-150 | 90-day trial |
| WGL | 12 mo | $0 | Varies | Dual fuel |
| Santanna | 12 mo | $0-9.99 | $100 | Since 1988 |
Rates and terms change. Verify current offers before signing up.
Available Through This Platform
Enroll directly and compare real-time rates
AP Gas & Electric
Short contracts, no monthly fees
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + Short-term contracts (4-12 months) for flexibility
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2018
- + Fixed rates lock in your price during contract
- + Some customers report easy enrollment process
Watch Out For
- ! Rates may increase significantly after contract expires—set a reminder
- ! 38 BBB complaints in past 3 years (24 in past 12 months)
- ! Mixed reviews: 1.9-2.3 stars on energy rating sites
- ! Some reports of long customer service hold times
Available Plans
Clearview Energy
Green plans and EV perks—but read the fine print carefully
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2011
- + Actual green energy plans (not just offsets)
- + Perks for EV owners on some plans
- + Fixed-rate options available 6-24 months
Watch Out For
- ! Fined $500,000 by Connecticut and banned for 6 years (2021) over billing violations
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1 out of 5 stars (44 reviews)
- ! 63 BBB complaints in past 3 years, 11 in past 12 months
- ! Variable rates can spike dramatically—bills reported jumping 4x after contract ends
- ! Reports of rates charged different from contract price
Available Plans
Constellation
90 days to cancel, no questions asked
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + 90-day satisfaction guarantee—cancel without ETF during this period
- + Been around since 1999, one of the largest retail suppliers
- + OH Energy Ratings: 4.47/5 (Top Provider designation)
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2013
Watch Out For
- ! $100-150 ETF kicks in after day 90
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1.14/5 stars (75 complaints in 3 years)
- ! 90-day guarantee NOT valid in Texas, CT, or IL
- ! Some complaints about rates higher than expected
Available Plans
Santanna Energy
Employee-owned, been around since 1988
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + 100% employee-owned (no outside shareholders)
- + 37+ years in business since 1988
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2009
- + 90-day trial on some plans
Watch Out For
- ! Some plans have a $9.99/month admin fee
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1.44/5 stars despite A+ rating
- ! Aggressive door-to-door sales tactics reported (targeting young consumers)
- ! Complaints about salespeople misrepresenting affiliation with local utilities
- ! Reports of renewal rates jumping 200-300% over market rate
Available Plans
WGL Energy
AltaGas-backed, 25+ years in Mid-Atlantic energy
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating and accredited since 2012
- + AltaGas-backed with 100,000+ electricity customers
- + 25+ year track record in Mid-Atlantic energy
- + Can bundle electricity and gas from one company
Watch Out For
- ! PissedConsumer rating: 1.6/5 stars (48 reviews)
- ! Some complaints about aggressive telemarketing (36 calls in 5 weeks reported)
- ! Reports of rates not matching promised savings
- ! MD Energy Ratings: 1.0/5 average score
Available Plans
Other Ohio Suppliers
Not available through this platform - contact directly
Energy Harbor
Nuclear power, often competitive rates
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating with 4.46/5 customer reviews (317 reviews)
- + Nuclear power = carbon-free electricity
- + Ohio-based, serving ~1 million customers
- + Competitive rates especially through municipal aggregation
Watch Out For
- ! Can't sign up through us—contact directly or via aggregation
- ! Connected to House Bill 6 bribery scandal ($43M+ in alleged bribes)
- ! Emerged from FirstEnergy Solutions bankruptcy (2020)
- ! Some reports of customers switched without consent via "sweeps"
- ! 45 BBB complaints in 3 years
Public Power
Simple fixed rates, Vistra-owned
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + BBB A+ rating with ZERO complaints in 3 years
- + Vistra backing (Fortune 500 power company)
- + 17 years in business, serving 200,000+ customers
- + Simple fixed-rate plans, no hidden fees
Watch Out For
- ! Can't sign up through us—contact directly
- ! $50 early termination fee in PA (may vary by state)
- ! Some Yelp reviews mention high prices vs utility
Direct Energy
Big name, BBB D- rating, aggressive door-to-door sales
Contract Details
Positive Notes
- + 41 years in business—one of the oldest retail energy suppliers
- + Wide variety of plan options (fixed, variable, green, rewards)
- + Free nights and weekends plans available in some markets
- + Online account management and smart home integrations
Watch Out For
- ! BBB rating: D- (NOT accredited)
- ! 136 BBB complaints in past 3 years, 30 in past 12 months
- ! BBB customer reviews: 1.02/5 stars (84 reviews)
- ! Cancellation fees up to $295 depending on plan
- ! Door-to-door sales complaints: customers signed up without consent
- ! Reports of accounts changed without proper authorization
- ! Pattern of complaints about rate increases and unexpected charges
Ohio utilities
Ohio Electricity Rates by Utility Territory
Supplier rates vary significantly depending on which utility territory you're in. Ohio's six electric utilities each have different standard service rates set through competitive auctions, and competitive supplier pricing differs by territory. Here's what you need to know for each.
AEP Ohio (Columbus, Central & Southern Ohio)
AEP Ohio is the state's largest utility, serving approximately 1.5 million customers across central and southern Ohio including Columbus, Zanesville, and parts of Appalachian Ohio. AEP's Standard Service Offer (SSO) rate is set through quarterly competitive auctions managed by PUCO.
What AEP Ohio customers should know
- - AEP's SSO rate changes quarterly, making it effectively a variable rate. A fixed-rate supplier plan gives you price predictability.
- - Columbus has one of Ohio's most active municipal aggregation programs - check if your city participates before shopping individually.
- - AEP Energy (AEP's competitive affiliate) competes alongside other suppliers - compare their rates against independents.
Compare live AEP Ohio rates or enter a Columbus-area ZIP (like 43215) above.
Duke Energy Ohio (Cincinnati & Southwest Ohio)
Duke Energy Ohio serves roughly 700,000 customers in southwest Ohio including Cincinnati, Hamilton, and surrounding suburbs. Duke is part of the larger Duke Energy corporation headquartered in Charlotte, NC.
What Duke Energy Ohio customers should know
- - Duke's SSO rate has historically been among the higher standard rates in Ohio, giving competitive suppliers more room to offer savings.
- - Many Cincinnati-area communities run aggregation programs through the Southwest Ohio Aggregation Council (SOAC).
- - Duke also provides natural gas - consider dual-fuel supplier plans if you have Duke gas service.
Compare live Duke Energy rates or read our Cincinnati electricity rates guide.
FirstEnergy Utilities (Cleveland, Akron, Toledo & Northeast Ohio)
FirstEnergy operates three Ohio utilities: The Illuminating Company (Cleveland metro), Ohio Edison (Akron, Youngstown, northeast Ohio), and Toledo Edison (Toledo, northwest Ohio). Together they serve about 2 million Ohio customers.
What FirstEnergy customers should know
- - All three FirstEnergy utilities use the same billing system and enrollment process, but rates differ between them.
- - Cleveland and many Northeast Ohio communities have active aggregation programs - the city of Cleveland itself has operated one for over a decade.
- - FirstEnergy account numbers are 20 digits starting with "080" - have this ready when enrolling with a new supplier.
- - FirstEnergy Solutions (now Energy Harbor/Vistra) is a competitive supplier - separate from the utility. Compare their offers alongside other suppliers.
Compare rates: Cleveland Illuminating | Ohio Edison | Toledo Edison | Read our Cleveland electricity rates guide.
AES Ohio (Dayton & West-Central Ohio)
AES Ohio (formerly Dayton Power & Light, or DP&L) serves about 530,000 customers in the Dayton metropolitan area and surrounding west-central Ohio. The utility was acquired by AES Corporation in 2019.
What AES Ohio customers should know
- - AES Ohio has undergone significant ownership changes. Your delivery service remains unchanged regardless of supplier choice.
- - AES Ohio account numbers are 10 digits - shorter than other Ohio utilities. Have yours ready when switching.
- - Montgomery County and surrounding communities have aggregation programs - verify your status before shopping individually.
Compare live AES Ohio rates or read our AES Ohio complete guide.
Ohio Municipal Aggregation: The Option Most People Don't Know About
Over 600 Ohio communities have municipal electric aggregation programs - and if you live in one, you may already be enrolled in a group rate without realizing it.
How Municipal Aggregation Works
- Your city or county votes to create a buying group
- The community negotiates a group electricity rate with a supplier
- Eligible residents are automatically enrolled (opt-out model)
- You receive a letter explaining the program and how to opt out
- If you already have a supplier contract, you're excluded until it ends
Should You Stay in Aggregation?
- + Aggregation rates are typically lower than your utility's SSO
- + No contract or early termination fee - you can leave anytime
- ! Individual supplier plans may beat the aggregation rate
- ! If you opt out for a supplier, you may not be able to re-enroll until the next cycle
Major Ohio Cities with Aggregation Programs
Pro tip: Even if you're in an aggregation program, compare the aggregation rate against individual supplier offers. Enter your ZIP above to see if you could save more by choosing your own supplier. Your utility bill will show your current generation rate - if a supplier offers less, switching makes financial sense. Learn more about how Ohio Energy Choice works or understand the difference between supply and delivery charges.
How to Switch Electricity Suppliers in Ohio (Step-by-Step)
Switching electricity suppliers in Ohio is free and takes about 5 minutes. Your power stays on the entire time - there's never an interruption. Here's exactly what to do:
Check your electric bill for your utility name and account number. AEP Ohio accounts are 17 digits (starting with 000406210), Duke Energy is 17 digits (starting with 001400607), AES Ohio is 10 digits, and FirstEnergy utilities are 20 digits (starting with 080).
Enter your ZIP code on ElectricRates.org or PUCO's Apples to Apples to see current supplier offers. Pay attention to the rate per kWh, contract length, early termination fees, and monthly charges.
Select your preferred supplier plan and complete the enrollment. You'll need your account number, service address, and basic contact information. Enrollment takes about 5 minutes.
Your new supplier notifies your utility automatically. The switch completes within 1-2 billing cycles. You'll continue receiving one bill from your utility, with the new supplier's rate on the generation/supply portion.
Ohio law gives you 7 days to cancel any new supplier contract without penalty. If you change your mind, contact the supplier within this window.
For a more detailed walkthrough, see our complete guide to switching electricity providers.
Pro Tips for Choosing a Supplier
A low rate with a $9.99 monthly fee might cost more than a slightly higher rate with no fees.
Some suppliers charge $300+ to cancel early. No ETF = more flexibility.
Variable rates can increase significantly based on market conditions. Check rate change notification terms in your contract.
Ohio law lets you cancel any new contract within 7 days without penalty. Learn more at PUCO
To avoid auto-renewal at potentially higher rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose an electricity supplier in Ohio?
Compare rates on PUCO's Apples to Apples website or use ElectricRates.org to see all certified suppliers. Look beyond just the rate - consider contract terms, early termination fees, monthly fees, and company track record with PUCO.
Are all Ohio electricity suppliers the same?
No, while all suppliers must be certified by PUCO, they differ in rates, contract terms, fees, and billing practices. The electricity itself is identical - your utility handles delivery and reliability. The main differences are price and contract terms.
What should I look for in an Ohio electricity supplier?
Key factors include: competitive rate per kWh, reasonable contract length (12-24 months is typical), low or no early termination fees, no hidden monthly fees, and clear billing practices. According to EIA data, the Ohio average residential rate provides a useful benchmark for comparison.
Can I switch electricity suppliers in Ohio for free?
Switching itself is free in Ohio. However, if you're currently under contract with a supplier, you may face early termination fees (typically $50-$200). If you're on your utility's standard service or a month-to-month plan, there are no fees to switch. See PUCO's shopping guide for details.
How long does it take to switch electricity suppliers in Ohio?
The switch typically takes 1-2 billing cycles to complete. There's no interruption to your service - your utility continues delivering electricity through the same power lines. Only the generation portion of your bill changes. See our step-by-step switching guide for the full process.
Who is the cheapest Ohio electricity supplier?
The cheapest supplier depends on your utility territory and when you shop. Rates change daily across AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, AES Ohio, and FirstEnergy territories. The best approach is to use PUCO's Apples to Apples tool or enter your ZIP code on ElectricRates.org to compare real-time rates. Fixed-rate plans from suppliers like Constellation, APGE, and Public Power are often competitive, but pricing varies by territory and season.
How do I switch electricity providers in Ohio?
Switching is simple: (1) Find your current utility and account number on your bill, (2) Compare supplier rates using your ZIP code, (3) Select a plan and complete the enrollment form, (4) Your new supplier notifies your utility - you do nothing else. The switch takes 1-2 billing cycles. Ohio law gives you a 7-day rescission period to cancel any new contract without penalty. Your delivery charges stay the same regardless of supplier.
What is PUCO Apples to Apples?
PUCO's Apples to Apples is Ohio's official electricity rate comparison tool run by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. It lists all certified suppliers and their current offers for each utility territory. While comprehensive, it can be overwhelming with dozens of plans. ElectricRates.org simplifies the comparison by highlighting key differences like early termination fees and monthly charges. Read our complete Apples to Apples guide for tips on using it effectively.
What is Ohio Energy Choice?
Ohio Energy Choice is the state's electricity deregulation program, established by Senate Bill 3 in 1999. It allows residential and business customers to choose their electricity generation supplier while their local utility (AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, AES Ohio, Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, or Cleveland Illuminating) continues handling delivery, maintenance, and outage response. Learn more in our Ohio Energy Choice complete guide.
What are the alternatives to AEP Ohio's standard service?
AEP Ohio customers can choose from 50+ PUCO-certified competitive suppliers instead of AEP's Standard Service Offer (SSO). The SSO rate changes quarterly based on auction results, so a fixed-rate plan from a competitive supplier can provide price stability. Compare current rates for AEP Ohio territory by entering a Columbus-area ZIP code (like 43215) above, or visit our AEP Ohio rates page for live pricing.
What are Cleveland electricity rates?
Cleveland is served by The Illuminating Company (a FirstEnergy utility). Residents can either stay on the Illuminating Company's standard service rate or choose a competitive supplier. Cleveland also has a municipal aggregation program that automatically enrolls eligible residents in a group rate - check with your city council for current program details. See our Cleveland electricity rates guide for a detailed breakdown, or compare live rates for the Illuminating Company territory.
What is municipal aggregation in Ohio?
Municipal aggregation allows Ohio cities and counties to negotiate group electricity rates on behalf of their residents. Over 600 Ohio communities participate. If your city has an aggregation program, you're automatically enrolled unless you opt out. The aggregation rate is often lower than the utility's standard service, but you should still compare it against individual supplier offers - sometimes you can find a better rate on your own.
Our Methodology
Information is gathered from multiple verified sources including OH Energy Ratings, BBB profiles, PUCO records, and company websites. Factual information reported includes:
- Contract terms - Rate ranges, term lengths, early termination fees
- Monthly fees - Any recurring charges beyond the per-kWh rate
- Red flags - Documented issues from customer complaints or regulatory records
- Company background - Ownership, headquarters, years in business
Verify supplier certification: PUCO certified supplier list
Disclosure: ElectricRates.org may receive compensation when you enroll through this platform. This does not affect which suppliers are featured or their rates.
These are factual comparisons organized by customer needs. The electricity product is identical across all suppliers - what varies is price and contract terms.
Last updated: April 2026. Rates and terms change frequently. Always verify current rates before signing up.
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