Cleveland, Ohio is located in a deregulated electricity market. Residents may compare electric suppliers and switch energy plans to save money on the electric bill. Cleveland electricity rates have become more competitive since the energy market opened to outside energy suppliers. Consumers didn’t always have a choice. This all changed due to the passage of the act known as Senate Bill 3 (SB3) in 1999. The act restructured the energy market, taking away the monopoly utility companies had over their service areas.  

The city of Cleveland has a population of just under 400,000 and is located approximately 30 miles north of Akron, Ohio. Located on the shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is known to have cold and windy winters with an annual snowfall of over 50 inches of snow. It is not uncommon for energy prices to spike during extreme weather. Fixed electric rates will protect consumers against market volatility.

Utility Companies in Cleveland

If you’re relocating to Cleveland, then you will need to set up the electricity account through the Illuminating Company. The Illuminating Company is responsible for maintaining and managing the power lines that deliver power to consumers. If you change electric suppliers, the Illuminating Company will continue to provide the electric bill along with delivery services.

The Illuminating Company

Cleveland Power Outage

Along with delivering power to customers, the Illuminating Company is responsible for assuring the reliability of the power grid. If you experience a power outage, then you will need to report it to the utility company.

  • The Illuminating Company Power Outage Number: 1-888-544-4877

Understanding Ohio Energy Choice

If you’re new to energy choice, then having to shop for an energy supplier may seem like a hassle. However, lowering the supply rate can save you an additional 20% or more depending on current market conditions. Choosing another electric supplier doesn’t have to be confusing. Once you understand the basics, then you can start taking advantage of the variety of energy plans offered by energy providers.

The two main sections that make up the electric bill include the delivery and supply charge.

  • Delivery Charge – The delivery charge represents the regulated section of the electric bill. This is charged by the utility company and is overseen by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
  • Supply Charge – The supply charge represents the deregulated section of the electric bill. This is the cost of generating the electricity the customer is expected to use during a period. Energy choice gives consumers the option of selecting an alternate electric supplier and lowering the supply rate on the electric bill.

Compare Electric Suppliers and Energy Plans

Take advantage of energy choice and start shopping for electric suppliers today! Deciding which electric supplier is right for you depends on the energy plan you select. Energy suppliers can specialize in different plans. The two most common energy plans include fixed and variable rates.

Fixed rates do not change during the duration of the energy agreement. This is popular among many consumers for obvious reasons! Most people don’t like surprises that show up on the electric bill. Knowing exactly what the rate will be can help customers budget for future expenses.

Variable rates change monthly. Variable rates can change at the sole discretion of the energy supplier. These rates are popular among consumers that don’t want to get stuck in a long-term agreement. Most variable rate plans are month-to-month and will allow the customer to change electric suppliers without having to pay an early cancellation fee.

Many energy suppliers offer quality service and competitive prices. Just Energy is known to provide customers 100% renewable energy plans at competitive prices. Direct Energy and Public Power also provide great pricing to customers looking to get off the utility company’s default rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to Contact my Old Energy Supplier to Cancel?

When you sign up with a new electric supplier, the switching process will be automatic. You will not have to notify your old energy supplier. The new energy supplier will contact the utility company who will notify your old energy supplier and will also oversee the switch.

Are There Hidden Fees?

If you come across an energy plan that seems too good to be true, then watch out! Some energy plans include additional charges such as a monthly base fee. Once you add the additional charges, the plan becomes more expensive than you may have initially thought.

Do Energy Suppliers Offer Green Energy Options?

A growing number of energy suppliers are offering customers 100% renewable energy plans. Renewable energy is generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Most energy suppliers meet this demand by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).

What Happens at the End of my Plan?

If you don’t take action at the expiration of your energy plan, then expect the energy supplier to move you to a monthly variable rate. Once this happens, don’t be surprised to have the electric bill double or triple in a single billing period. We recommend shopping for a new energy plan a month before the plan expires.

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