Ohio Electricity Price to Compare Explained

Key Points of This Article:

• The Price to Compare (PTC) is the default electricity rate (per kWh) your utility charges for generation and transmission if you haven’t selected a supplier. 
• The price to compare empowers consumers to shop, compare plans, and avoid rate hikes or unclear pricing. 
• If a supplier offers a rate lower than the PTC, you may save money by switching.
• As of April 2025, Ohio’s average residential rate is 16.34¢/kWh, about 6.36% lower than the national average (17.45¢/kWh). 

What Is the Price to Compare in Ohio? 

In plain terms, the Price to Compare (PTC) is the default price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) your utility company charges for the generation and transmission portion of your electricity service. 

Think of the price to compare as a baseline rate, or the number you can use to compare offers from alternative energy suppliers and see if switching could save you money or better align with your lifestyle. 

In most cases, you’ll find the Price to Compare (PTC) clearly labeled on your monthly utility bill, but only if you’re currently receiving energy generation service from your utility, not a third-party supplier.  

It’s often phrased like this: “Your current Price to Compare for generation supply is X cents per kWh.” 

This transparency is required by PUCO (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) so that consumers can make informed choices in Ohio’s deregulated electricity market. 

Since Ohio’s energy market is deregulated, customers have the option to choose a competitive electric supplier rather than relying solely on their local utility for generations. Alternative energy suppliers (like us), often come with more competitive rates, diverse plan options and extra incentives like rewards programs that your main utility might not offer. 

By comparing the PTC to the competitive offers of other suppliers in Ohio, you can make a more informed decision about what works best for your home, your budget, and your lifestyle. 

Why Ohio’s Price to Compare Matters for Energy Shoppers 

So why does the price to compare matter to you, the energy shopper? Ohio’s price to compare acts as your key energy rate benchmark when navigating Ohio’s energy market. Here’s how it empowers you: 

1. It’s the “Default” Rate You’re Paying Now 

If you haven’t picked a different energy supplier, you’re automatically paying the PTC. It’s the utility’s regulated price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and it’s not necessarily the lowest available rate. That’s why it’s always a good idea to explore your options before committing to just your main utility for your energy needs. 

2. It Helps You Spot Better Deals

Think of the PTC as a price tag. If a supplier offers a rate lower than the PTC, you could save money by switching. It’s your first tool in identifying real value. 

3. It’s More Than Just a Rate—It Gives You Power to Choose

With the PTC clearly listed on your bill, you can: 

• Quickly assess real suppliers’ offers 

• Decide if switching will lower your cost 

• Avoid hidden fees or unclear price structures.  

4. New to Ohio? Use the Price to Compare as Your Starting Point

If you’ve just moved to Ohio, it can be hard to know what a “good deal” looks like for electricity. That’s where the Price to Compare (PTC) comes in. It gives you a solid reference point, even if you’ve never seen an Ohio energy bill before.  

Knowing the current PTC makes it easier to spot which supplier rates are competitive and which aren’t, so you can make a confident choice. 

Current Ohio Electric Price to Compare as of July 2025 

Wondering what the current Ohio price to compare is for your utility? We’ve done the research and have the latest electricity rates from Ohio’s major utility companies.  

If you’re living in parts of Ohio like Erie, Medina, and Summit, it’s extremely likely that your main utility is Ohio Edison. 

While the Ohio Edison price to compare is modest compared to our other main utilities is modest, it still represents a short-term rate that’s subject to change after August 2025.  

At $0.0953/kWh, it’s lower than AEP Ohio’s summer rate and slightly higher than The Illuminating Company’s, positioning it somewhere in the middle of the pack. Because this rate is only in effect for a few months, those on a variable rate plan may find themselves with a higher bill if they don’t monitor this change or lock in a more stable energy plan. 

Toledo Edison Price to Compare 

If you’re a Toledo Edison customer and haven’t chosen a different energy supplier, your current default rate for electricity generation is $0.0977 per kWh. 

How Is the Price to Compare Determined? 

Now that you know what your main utility price to compare is, you might be wondering, “how is this determined?” As industry experts, we can give you the scoop. Knowing all the ins and outs can help you use the price to your advantage! 

1. It Starts with Competitive Auctions

Every few months, your utility holds auctions (watched over by PUCO) where energy suppliers compete to provide electricity for customers on the default plan. The winning bids set the generation rate you pay. 

2. Your Rate is Updated Regularly, Utility by Utility

Utility companies refresh these auctions 4–6 times a year. That means your PTC can change multiple times per year depending on market conditions and auction outcomes. 

3. What It Includes (and What It Doesn’t)

Your price to compare includes generation & transmission costs, this covers buying the electricity and getting it to your local substation. It’s important to note that this rate does not include delivery fees like distribution, meter reading, or customer service; those are separate regulated charges. 

Average Electricity Costs in Ohio 

As of April 2025, Ohio residents pay an average residential electricity rate of 16.34 cents per kilowatt-hour, slightly below the national average of 17.45 cents, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).  

To put that into perspective, the typical Ohio household uses around 854 kWh per month. At the state average, that adds up to about $139.54 per month, compared to $149.02 at the national rate.  

That means Ohioans are paying roughly 6.36% less than the U.S. average. Understanding where your rate stands can help you determine whether your current plan is competitive or if it’s time to explore options and lock in a better deal. 

How Do Ohio Electricity Prices Compare Nationally?   

The most recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that the average electricity rate in Ohio is slightly lower than the national average (as of April 2025). But what’s behind this price difference? As energy experts, we know there are a few key reasons why electricity rates in Ohio tend to be more affordable than in many other states: 

1. Abundant Regional Energy Resources: Ohio is part of the PJM Interconnection, one of the largest wholesale electricity markets in the U.S. This gives the state access to a wide mix of power sources, including natural gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables, which helps keep supply stable and prices competitive.
2. Competitive Energy Market: Thanks to Ohio’s deregulated electricity market, consumers can shop for better rates from multiple suppliers. This competition often helps drive prices down and keeps providers from overcharging.
3. Lower Delivery Costs in Some Areas: While delivery fees vary by utility, many parts of Ohio benefit from well-established infrastructure, which can help keep transmission and distribution costs more manageable compared to rural or high-demand states.
4. Moderate Overall Demand: Ohio doesn’t experience the extreme warm weather spikes seen in places like Texas or California, which means demand for electricity stays steadier throughout the year, helping to avoid major rate swings.

How to Compare Electricity Rates 

The exact way to compare electricity rates can vary from shopper to shopper, but if you’re unsure where to start, we’ve got you! Here’s what we recommend you do when comparing electricity rates: 

1. Start with the PUCO Apples to Apples Tool to get a High-Level View of Your Options

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) offers a fantastic resource for anyone beginning their energy shopping journey. Their “Apples to Apples” comparison tool makes it easy to explore certified electricity suppliers available in your utility area. The tool lets you compare key details like price per kWh (and the Ohio price to compare), contract length, early cancellation fees, and whether a plan includes renewable energy options, all in one place.  

It’s a good idea to keep a recent energy bill handy as you explore this website so you can quickly view your utility’s price to compare and check if the plan you’re switching to is more competitive. 

While helpful, we recommend that you don’t rely on comparison tools alone. Think of this website as a starting point to discover your options.  

Once you’ve found a few suppliers you’re interested in, it’s best to visit their websites directly to explore additional plans, benefits, and any special offers they may not list elsewhere. This extra research can pay off in the long run because if you’re happy with your supplier, the less you’ll have to switch. 

2. Review the Full Plan Details

Don’t judge a plan by its rate alone. Be sure you’re checking all the boxes you’re looking for in your ideal plan to ensure you’re not stuck with a plan or supplier that might not fit your lifestyle in the long run.  

Be sure to also check out these important factors: 

• Rate type: Will the price stay steady or change month to month? 

• Contract length: Do you prefer flexibility or stable long-term pricing? 

• Cancellation fees: Will you be charged if you switch early? 

Evaluating all these factors (and more) can make or break your experience with your energy supplier! 

3. Look Beyond the Price for Real Value

Before you enroll in your new energy supplier, take one more look. Go beyond the price to consider which supplier offers the best overall value for your home, lifestyle, and energy goals.  

Look at factors like contract length, early termination fees, renewable energy options, customer reviews, and any added perks like rewards programs or budget billing. A slightly higher rate might come with more added perks and less stress in the long term. 

After this, all that’s left is to choose your new supplier and make the switch! 

What is the Difference Between Electric Utilities and Electric Suppliers? 

If you live in Ohio, two different companies work together to power up your home but they serve very different roles. And who you choose to supply your energy could make all the difference in price and plan options. 

Electric Utilities – They Deliver the Power and Bill You 

Your utility is the company responsible for physically delivering electricity to your home through the power lines. They maintain the grid, fix power outages, read your meter, and send you your bill, even if you buy electricity from an alternative energy supplier. 

Your utility company is based entirely on where you live, and you can’t change it. 

Even if you switch to an alternative electricity supplier, your utility will stay the same. They’ll still handle everything related to the infrastructure and reliability of your electric service. 

Electric Supplier – They Sell You the Electricity Often at a More Competitive Rate and with More Diverse Plan Options 

Your electric supplier is the company you choose to buy your electricity from. Thanks to Ohio’s deregulated energy market, you don’t have to stick with your default utility. You can shop around and compare different suppliers to find a plan that fits your budget and values. 

Not interested in a supplier? No worries! If you don’t choose a supplier, your utility automatically supplies your electricity at the default rate, or at the price to compare. 

Electric providers offer more than just energy; they offer choice. Depending on the supplier, some benefits of choosing a supplier to supply your energy may include: 

• Lower rates than the utility’s PTC 

• 100% renewable energy plans 

• Fixed-rate plans to avoid seasonal rate spikes 

• Flat-fee or Unlimited Energy plans for predictable billing 

Note that you can switch electric providers at any time (depending on your current contract), and your power won’t be interrupted. Your utility will continue delivering electricity, no matter who supplies it. 

Types of Energy Plans Offered in Ohio 

Now that you know the roles of a utility and energy supplier, let’s break down your options for plans for your electricity needs. As a supplier ourselves, we know all the ins and outs of electricity plans offered to Ohio residents and who each plan is best for. Here’s how it works: 

1. Fixed‑Rate Plans

With a fixed-rate plan, you lock in a specific cents-per-kWh price for the length of your contract (often 6–24 months). This plan is ideal for those who want to shield themselves from fluctuations in the energy market.  

This plan is particularly appealing to those who live in areas with extreme heat during the summer months where electricity bills spike the most. With a fixed-rate electricity plan, you can avoid seasonal price hikes when temperatures reach their peak. 

2. Variable‑Rate Plans

With a variable-rate plan, your rate changes month-to-month allowing your rate to go up or down each month, depending on wholesale energy prices. 

While you may end up paying less for your electricity costs when prices fall, this plan is extremely risky. You risk leaving yourself open to spikes in the electricity market and potentially paying more than you have to.  

We only recommend this plan to those who actively monitor fluctuations in the energy market as those who do can take advantage of lower market rates when they dip but should also be prepared for potential price spikes. 

3. Unlimited (Flat‑Fee) Plans

If you’re looking for a more predictable monthly electricity budget with no guesswork, an Unlimited Energy plan is the way to go. With Unlimited Energy, you pay the same monthly supply charge no matter how much energy you use.* Making monthly budgeting for your monthly utility bills more predictable and less surprising. 

We’ve found that not all suppilers offer this type of plan, so when you find one that does, be sure to take advantage! 

4. Earth‑Friendly Plans

If you didn’t know already, utilities only offer limited options to electricity shoppers. But electricity suppliers often give shoppers more, including options for renewable energy plans.  

While the exact parameters specific to each renewable energy plan can vary from supplier to supplier, these plans match 100% of your usage with renewable energy credits, meaning your energy use is offset by clean energy production.   

If you’re looking to do more with your home energy and do go for the planet, a renewable energy plan from a supplier is right for you! 

What Makes Santanna Energy Services Stand Out from the Rest? 

Now that you understand how the price to compare works, if you’re thinking that sticking with your default utility might not be the best move for your lifestyle, we can help with that. 

At Santanna Energy Services, we offer plans built for your lifestyle and here’s what we can offer you if you’re considering an electricity supplier like us: 

• Competitive Pricing: We consistently review our rates to ensure they’re competitive, helping you take control of your energy costs. 

• More Predictability and Less Surprises: Our customers love our Unlimited Energy plan! With a stable supply charge every month, our Unlimited Energy customers always have predictable billing leading to less stress and more certainty no matter how much electricity they use. * 

• Flexible, Personalized Options: No matter your energy goals, lifestyle, or budget needs, we’ve got solutions designed to meet your unique demands. 

• Added Perks: With Santanna, you can access exclusive customer rewards, referral bonuses, and friendly support from a team that puts people first. 

• And so much more! 

We believe your energy plan should reflect your priorities. Whether that’s predictability, sustainability, or simplicity, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call or chat with us on our website; we’re always here to help! Explore our electricity plan options for your home and see how Santanna can fit into your lifestyle. 

FAQs 

Can I switch if I’m under contract?

Most suppliers allow you to switch if you’re under contract but be aware of early termination fees, which vary depending on your terms. PUCO requires suppliers to clearly disclose these fees when you sign up. 

Will my utility treat me differently if I switch to a supplier?

No, your electric utility handles delivery, outages, and meter readings regardless of your supplier. Switching suppliers affects only your generation charge! 

What’s a good kWh rate in Ohio right now?

As of June 2025, the average residential PTC in Ohio is around 8¢–10¢/kWh. Offers a lot lower than that might come with a monthly fee, or a large increase at the end of your term. It’s generally a good idea to look at plans competitive with that range, and always read the fine print before signing up. 

Is a deposit required for my energy plan?

Some suppliers may ask for a security deposit, especially if you’re new to their service or have low credit, though many waive it based on creditworthiness. 

Can I switch my electric plan if I’m unhappy with my service?

Absolutely! You can switch any time (even mid-contract), though be mindful of early exit fees. PUCO also protects you from slamming (being switched without permission). 

Who is the best electric supplier in Ohio?

“Best” depends on what you value: lowest price, renewable energy, customer service, rewards, or plan simplicity. Look for suppliers with PUCO certification, strong reviews, and transparent terms. 

Are Ohio electric rates going up?
Electricity costs in Ohio have been rising, partly due to higher capacity auction prices and growing peak demand, especially from data centers. 

Understanding Ohio’s price to compare is one of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner. It gives you a clear baseline to evaluate electricity plans and empowers you to shop for competitive rates, more stable pricing, or other benefits. 

Instead of settling for your utility’s default rate, why not choose a plan that fits your lifestyle? At Santanna Energy Services, we make switching simple. With innovative plans, rewards, and support you can count on. Explore plans built for your home and your peace of mind.