Umair Gaines
In Ohio, it is now easier than ever to switch electricity providers, allowing both domestic and commercial customers to find the best deals and save money. The first step is to visit the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) website, which registers electricity suppliers in the state. You should only switch to a supplier that appears on their database. The PUCO also offers an Apples-to-Apples website to help you compare offers and choose a supplier based on your needs. You can also use third-party websites like ElectricityPlans.com to make an informed decision. Once you've chosen a new supplier, you will need to provide your current account number to initiate the switch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Agency that oversees rate setting for utility, price to compare, and delivery rates | Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) |
| Default electricity supplier | Local utility company |
| Suppliers to choose from | CRES (Certified Retail Electric Supplier) |
| PUCO's role | Reviews and approves every electric supplier in Ohio |
| Aggregation | Local communities can join citizens and small business owners to buy electricity as a group |
| Opt-out aggregation | Majority of local residents are automatically included and need to opt out to leave and sort their electricity supplies |
| Website to compare offers | Apples-to-Apples website at energychoice.ohio.gov |
| Switching process | Visit the PUCO website, compare offers, select a plan, enter your service address and utility account information |
| Confirmation | Receive a confirmation letter in the mail from your local utility, with 7 days to change your mind |
| Switching fee | Most suppliers charge a termination fee to switch to another supplier before your contract expires |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding the market players and vocabulary
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is the government agency that oversees rate setting for your utility, the Price to Compare (or Standard Service Offer, SSO), and delivery rates. They also protect consumer interests. PUCO's website offers an Apples-to-Apples rate comparison chart to help you compare the details of each supplier's offer.
Certified Retail Electric Supplier (CRES) is a supplier that has been reviewed and approved by PUCO. Only a CRES can sell you competitive electricity supply. If you live in a deregulated electricity utility area, you can switch to a CRES. Check your utility bill for a section marked "Electricity Generation Supplier" to see if you already purchase from a CRES.
Community aggregation is when local communities are allowed by law to join citizens and small business owners together to buy electricity as a group. This is typically an opt-out aggregation, meaning that you may have been switched to a CRES without knowing it.
The Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison, and Toledo Edison are examples of electric distribution utilities. They continue to deliver electricity to your home even if you switch to a different electric generation supplier.
Electric generation suppliers and aggregators must be registered with the local utility to sell electric generation service in that utility's service area.
When shopping for a supplier, you can compare offers based on price, security, or other options. You may also want to consider the generation sources and by-products to help make an environmentally-based decision.
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Comparing electricity rates and plans
Firstly, it is important to understand the two main types of plans: fixed-rate and variable-rate. A fixed-rate plan means that you are signing a contract with an energy supplier that offers a fixed rate for the duration of the contract, which is usually between 6 and 36 months. A variable-rate plan means that your rate can change month-to-month based on market conditions and your energy usage. Variable-rate plans offer the potential for savings during periods of low demand but may lead to higher bills during peak times.
When comparing plans, it is important to review the plan details, contract terms, and legal copy. Energy companies may advertise low rates, but these may only apply within a specific range of energy usage. You should also consider the length of the contract, with longer contracts offering more price stability, and check for any early termination fees. Other factors to consider are whether you want to support clean energy through a renewable energy plan, and the reputation of the provider.
There are several online tools available to help you compare plans and suppliers, such as PUCO's Apples to Apples rate comparison charts, EnergyBot, and Choose Energy. These tools allow you to compare rates and plans based on your zip code and monthly electricity bill. You can also use these tools to compare the Price to Compare (PTC) or Standard Service Offer (SSO), which is the default rate offered by your utility company if you don't choose an independent supplier.
By comparing electricity rates and plans, you can make an informed decision and find a plan that meets your needs, whether that be savings, security, or options such as renewable energy.
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Opting out of community aggregation
In Ohio, local communities are permitted by law to join citizens and small business owners together to buy electricity as a group. This is known as "community aggregation". It is usually an opt-out aggregation, meaning that eligible community members who do not wish to participate are given the opportunity to cancel their pending enrollment during an opt-out period.
Community aggregation programs are required to notify participants of their right to opt out at certain times throughout the program. In Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey, you will be notified of your right to opt out at least every three years. Gas aggregation programs in Ohio will provide this opportunity at least every two years.
If your community's current term of service is greater than 36 months for electricity or 24 months for natural gas, Energy Harbor will send you a new notification at the conclusion of that period, extending your current exclusive pricing until the end of its contracted term with the community. If your community's current term is expiring and your community renews the program for additional terms, eligible community members—even those who have previously opted out—will be notified of the new program terms and exclusive pricing for the communicated service period.
You will also receive a letter from your electric or gas utility confirming your participation. To become a member of your community's choice aggregation program, you don't need to take any action when this letter arrives.
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Cancelling a switch before the deadline
If you want to cancel your switch to a new electric supplier before the deadline, you must notify your current supplier by the deadline stated in your confirmation letter. If you contact them before the deadline, you will not be charged any fees and will remain with your current supplier.
For example, if you are an AES Ohio customer, you can notify them by calling 800-433-8500 and selecting 'electric choice'. You can also sign into your MyAES Ohio account. If you do not notify them by the deadline, you will be switched to your new supplier and may have to pay a fee to switch back before your contract ends. Most suppliers charge termination fees for ending a contract early or switching suppliers multiple times over a short period. Therefore, it is important to review your contract carefully and understand any associated fees.
If you are a NOPEC customer, you can opt out and choose your own electricity supplier. NOPEC is an "opt-out" aggregator, so customers are automatically enrolled, but they have a 21-day window to opt out. You can mail the opt-out form or, if you are running out of time, email a photo of the completed form to [email protected], fax it to 440-774-4422, or call the customer service line at 855-667-3201. If you missed the deadline, you can still terminate your agreement with NOPEC at any time without a fee, but you will need to pay for the electricity you used before switching.
It is important to be aware of your rights as an Ohio citizen. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) offers resources to help you compare offers and choose a supplier. You can review the PUCO apples-to-apples rate comparison charts and the Apples-to-Apples website at energychoice.ohio.gov. Additionally, you are protected by the Customer Bill of Rights.
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Knowing your rights as a customer
As a customer in Ohio, you have certain rights when it comes to switching your electric supplier. Here are some key things to know:
Firstly, you have the right to choose your own electricity provider. Ohio has a deregulated electricity market, which means you are not restricted to a single utility company and can select from various suppliers. This competition drives better deals and savings for consumers. You can compare offers and plans using resources like the PUCO (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) website, which offers an Apples-to-Apples rate comparison tool to help you make an informed decision.
Secondly, you have the right to obtain information from suppliers before signing a contract. Ask questions and gather details about the supplier's rates, contract length, early termination fees, and other important considerations. Understanding these factors will help you make the best decision and avoid unexpected costs.
Additionally, you have protection against unauthorized switching, also known as "slamming". If your service is switched without your consent, you can report it to PUCO, as this practice is illegal. You also have the right to return to your previous supplier or their standard offer rate if you change your mind about switching, although there may be termination fees involved.
In the event that you encounter pushy sales tactics or feel bullied by a salesperson from a registered electric generation supplier, you can report this to PUCO as well. You are not obligated to provide personal information or your account number unless you have decided to switch.
Lastly, as an Ohio citizen, you are protected by the Customer Bill of Rights. This means that even after switching, you can still switch away without penalty if you find a better deal or are unhappy with your new supplier. Remember to review your utility bill regularly to ensure you understand your current supplier and rates.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check if you've already been switched to a CRES (Certified Retail Electric Supplier) by looking for an "Electricity Generation Supplier" section on your utility bill. If you haven't, you can visit the PUCO (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) website to compare offers and choose a supplier that's registered with them. You'll need your customer number, which can be found on your bill, to enroll with a new supplier. Once you've chosen a supplier, you can enter your service address and utility account information, and you'll receive a confirmation letter from your local utility.
Ask to see their badge. If they're legitimate, they should be carrying an ID badge. You do not need to provide your account number or other personal information unless you decide to switch. If you feel bullied or a salesperson enters your home uninvited, call the police.
You can compare offers on the PUCO Apples-to-Apples website or on third-party sites like ElectricityPlans.com. You may want to consider the price, any fees, the generation sources, and whether the supplier offers plans that align with your values, such as green energy or charitable giving.
