Compare electricity rates and plans in Akron, Ohio, and start taking advantage of energy choice today. The Ohio energy market became deregulated in 2001 thanks to the passage of an act known as Senate Bill 3 (SB3). This act opened the doors to outside energy suppliers to begin offering supply services to homes and businesses in Akron. Residents that switch electric suppliers will still receive one electric bill by the utility company that will incorporate both the delivery and supply charges.

The city of Akron has a population of just under 200,000 people and is located 40 miles south of Cleveland. The city is subject to cold winters and has an annual snowfall of just over 40 inches. Residents may lock in a fixed energy rate to protect against higher prices during extreme weather.

Akron Utility Companies

The main utility company responsible for delivering power to homes and businesses in Akron is Ohio Edison. If you’re planning on moving to the city, then you will need to set up the electricity account through Ohio Edison. The utility company will continue to deliver power to customers that choose to switch electric suppliers.

Akron Power Outages

If you experience a power outage, then you will need to contact the utility company. Ohio Edison is responsible for assuring the reliability of power lines within its service area. Most power outages are the result of falling tree branches.

  • Ohio Edison Power Outage Number: 1-888-544-4877

Ohio Energy Choice

The Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) passed an act known as Senate Bill 3 (SB3) in 1999. This act restructured the energy market and unbundled the responsibilities of the utility companies. Before energy choice, the utility companies had a monopoly over the generation, transmission, and delivery of power to customers within their respective service areas. If a customer was unhappy with the electric rate, there was nothing they could do.

With the introduction of more energy suppliers into the market, electricity rates have become more competitive. Energy suppliers now have to compete with each other to increase their market share. This level of competition has forced energy suppliers to cut costs and pass the additional savings onto the customers.

A few energy suppliers that provide service in Ohio include Direct Energy, Public Power, and Just Energy. These energy suppliers are known to offer competitive rates along with providing great customer service.

Selecting an Energy Plan in Akron

One of the great benefits of energy choice is allowing residents to select from a variety of energy plans. With so many plans being offered by electric suppliers, how do you know which is right for you? This all depends on your risk tolerance. The most popular energy plans are fixed rates and for a good reason. Fixed rates do not change during the term of the agreement. This gives the customer some comfort in knowing exactly how much they will be paying every month.

Variable rates are also pretty popular among customers not looking for a long-term commitment. Variable rates change monthly and often at the sole discretion of the energy supplier. Most variable-rate plans do not include an early cancellation fee. This allows the customer to cancel the plan or change electric suppliers without having to worry about an early cancellation penalty.

Renewable energy plans are growing in demand among customers. Renewable energy generates electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Oftentimes, energy suppliers may purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) to meet this requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Will I be Switched?

Customers that enroll in a new energy plan will be switched over on the next available meter read. The meter read is typically every 30 days. A customer can expect to wait for two billing cycles before the new rate shows up on the electric bill.

Do I Have to Contact my old Supplier?

When you change electric suppliers, the process will be handled by the utility company. Your old energy supplier will automatically be notified by the utility company. You will not have to contact them.

Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?

Most energy plans will include an early cancellation fee. If you change electric suppliers before the expiration of your current contract, then you can expect to be charged a fee. Early cancellation fees can range from $50 to $300.

What Happens at the End of my Term?

Most electric suppliers will change their customers to a monthly variable rate once the initial term expires. If you allow this to happen, then don’t be surprised to have the electric bill double or even triple in a single billing period. We recommend shopping for a new energy plan a month before the term expires.

View by City