Thanks to Senate Bill 3 (SB3), residents in Cincinnati can shop for an alternate electric supplier and lower their energy costs. Cincinnati electricity rates became deregulated in 1999 with the passage of Senate Bill 3 (SB3) by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). SB3 restructured the energy market, giving outside energy suppliers a chance to compete and provide supply or generation services to homes and businesses in the state of Ohio. Ohioans can now enjoy the option to select from a variety of energy plans and switch from the default rate offered by the utility companies.

The city of Cincinnati has a population of just over 300,000 and is located on the southwest corner of the state along the Ohio River. The weather is subject to hot summers and cold winters which can often lead to fluctuating energy prices. Residents that wish to protect themselves from the volatility of the energy market can lock in a fixed rate.

Utility Companies in Cincinnati

If you’re planning on moving to Cincinnati, then you will need to set up the electricity account through Duke Energy. Duke Energy is the utility company responsible for delivering power to homes and businesses in the city. The delivery charge represents the regulated section of the electric bill and is overseen by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Given the logistics involved, it will not be possible for residents to select another utility company for delivery services.

Power Outages in Cincinnati

The main responsibility of the utility company is to assure the reliability of the power grid. If you experience a power outage then you will need to report it to Duke Energy. Most potential power outages can be detected and diverted before they can occur. The number one culprit of outages is due to falling tree branches. Trees need to be trimmed and never planted near power lines.

  • Duke Energy Power Outage Number: 1-800-543-5599

Cincinnati Energy Choice

Residents living in Ohio didn’t always have a choice in comparing and switching electric suppliers. Before energy deregulation, all aspects of energy choice were handled by the utility companies which included generation, transmission, and delivery. If a customer was unhappy with the rate, then there was nothing they could do.

Thanks to energy choice, that has all changed! In 1999, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) passed an act that became known as SB3. This act officially ended the utility companies’ monopoly over the energy market. The introduction of new energy suppliers into the market forced these companies to cut margins and provide cheap electricity rates to grow their market base. If an electric supplier isn’t offering competitive energy rates, then they will be forced out of the market by their competitors.

Compare Electric Suppliers in Ohio

Energy companies that provide supply services in Ohio have to be licensed by PUCO. A full list of licensed energy suppliers can be found on PUCO’s website.

There are a few websites that compare electric suppliers and energy plans. ElectricRateSelect.com provides customers a platform that makes choosing an electric supplier easier than going alone. Our customer service is an excellent resource that can help find the best energy plan in your service area. Our mission is to represent the customer and not the energy supplier. Whether you’re looking for a fixed, variable, or renewable energy plan we can find the electric supplier that meets your needs.

Below are a few electric suppliers that are known to provide competitive rates and quality service.

Direct Energy

Direct Energy

Direct Energy has been around for more than 20 years and provides energy services to more than four million Americans nationwide. The company provides fixed, variable, and renewable energy plans.

Public Power

Public Power

Public Power has been around since 2010, providing competitive rates to over a million customers in Ohio, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Illinois, Connecticut, and Washington D.C.

Constellation Energy

Constellation Energy

An Exelon Company, Constellation Energy provides energy services to more than 15 states, including two-thirds of Fortune 100 companies. The company provides electricity and natural gas services to both residential and business customers.

AEP Energy

AEP Energy

A subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP), AEP Energy provides services to residential, small business, commercial, and industrial size users. The company is backed by over 100 years of experience in the energy sector.

Renewable Energy in Ohio

The three top renewable energy sources in Ohio, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration, are wind power, biomass, and solar. Wind power makes up three-fifths of total renewable energy generation, while biomass represents one-fifth and solar one-tenth. Energy generation from renewable energy sources makes up three percent of total power generation in the state.

Select an Energy Plan

Two popular energy plans electric suppliers offer customers are fixed and variable rates. Most consumers don’t want to worry about fluctuating rates and will go with a fixed plan. Fixed plans make it easier for consumers to budget energy expenses while protecting them from a rising market.

Variable rates change monthly. You may opt to go with a variable rate if you believe energy prices may fall or you plan on moving. Most variable-rate plans do not charge an early cancellation fee, allowing the customers to cancel or switch electric suppliers anytime.

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