Home Blog Make the Right Choice: How to Compare Energy Rates in Ohio

Make the Right Choice: How to Compare Energy Rates in Ohio

by Nicola Holder

Ohio is among many states that allow its residents to choose their energy provider and thus can compare rates in their area and save money on power costs.

Variable-Rate Plans

Source: starenergypartners.com

Energy costs can be among the most unpredictable household expenses, making decision-making an unpredictable process. Therefore, it’s important that you take time to educate yourself about how variable-rate plans operate so you can make an informed decision regarding which one best meets your home or business’s needs. Ohio offers various rates; one popular type is one with fluctuating market pricing which provides risk-tolerant consumers an opportunity to save money over time on their electricity bill.

Even amid global energy market uncertainty, there are ways to save on Ohio electricity bills. Start by entering your zip code to view Ohio electric rates and providers. Compare electricity rates based on time-of-use usage or even explore green energy plans! Once you find the plan that’s best suited to you, simply sign up online or call the number displayed to speak with an energy expert directly.

But also, if you’re considering switching energy suppliers, it’s essential that you understand how variable rates work and whether they would suit your home or business. Variable-rate plans tend to be cheaper than fixed-rate ones but are subject to more frequent fluctuations as well as seasonal tariff changes – some may even come with early termination fees!

Fixed-Rate Plans

Fixed-rate plans provide the ideal solution for those who want to protect themselves from sudden changes in electricity rates, with terms typically lasting 6 months, 12 months, or 24 months and offering features such as bill credits and free electricity nights. They’re available from many Ohio energy suppliers online or over the phone; purchasing one may require some legwork.

Ohio electricity rates tend to be less expensive than national averages and may fluctuate depending on seasonality, meaning you might find better deals if you search at various times during the year. Keep in mind that Ohio electricity prices can also be affected by weather – demand tends to increase during warmer months when more energy is being demanded by users.

When selecting an Ohio energy provider, be sure to evaluate its reputation and offer of green products. Inquire as to its history as well as their response time in case of energy emergencies.

Renewable Energy Plans

Ohio residents can support renewable energy production by switching to a green electricity plan, which offers competitive market pricing for electricity generated by green sources. While rates with Ohio Apples to Apples may be slightly higher than standard utility rate options, having the peace of mind that comes from knowing your electricity comes from clean energy is certainly worth paying an additional premium for! Green electricity plans are available to both residential and commercial customers alike.

Green electricity is made possible through renewable resources like wind, solar and hydro. These sources produce sustainable power that helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and climate change impacts while being cheaper than coal or natural gas alternatives, making green power an attractive solution for Ohio households and businesses.

The RPS program has come under scrutiny for failing to meet in-state demand; however, lawmakers have made changes intended to lower its cost by eliminating requirements that half of RPS goals must come from in-state resources and placing a two-year freeze on it. These modifications have already seen numerous projects added to PJM queues and applications being submitted before OPSB for consideration.

Ohio’s economic health can also benefit from cheap renewable energy sources like wind. Though Ohio leads in hydro power, its potential wind potential far surpasses that of hydro. Less than one percent of Ohio’s electric power comes from renewable sources at present and Ohio still needs much work before reaching its full potential.

Government Aggregation

Source: njgea.com

Ohio law permits communities, such as townships, cities, villages and counties, to establish energy aggregation groups like these that purchase electricity or natural gas on behalf of their citizens. By pooling together their buying power and pooling in more purchasing power than they could on their own, they gain greater negotiating leverage to negotiate better prices than would otherwise be available to them. Once a city or county selects an aggregation provider it notifies residents they have automatically been enrolled unless they opt-out.

Prior to initiating an aggregation program, it must first receive approval by the local government. Each city or township must pass an ordinance detailing the type of aggregation being created: either opt-in or opt-out aggregation – where opt-in requires residents individually sign up while opt-out does not. Both types must also receive certification by PUCO.

If your community participates in governmental aggregation, you can opt-out by sending an email or calling the supplier who was selected by the local government. Customers enrolled in either PIPP Plus or Percentage of Income Payment Plan programs should speak with their provider prior to making such decisions, as they could face penalties if leaving their contracts early.