Columbus Electricity Rates
Contents
- 1 Columbus Electricity Rates
- 2 Utility Companies in Columbus
- 3 Columbus Power Outage
- 4 Understanding Energy Choice in Ohio
- 5 Renewable Energy Options for Columbus Residents
- 6 Compare Electric Suppliers and Energy Plans
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 How Long Does the Switching Process Take?
- 9 Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?
- 10 Are There Hidden Fees?
- 11 What Happens at the End of my Term?
- 12 View by City
- 13 Clean Energy
- 14 Electricity Rates
Compare electricity rates and energy plans in Columbus, Ohio, and lower your energy costs. Columbus electricity rates have become more competitive since Ohio deregulated the energy market and allowed outside energy suppliers to begin providing generation services to Ohioans.
Before energy deregulation, the utility companies were responsible for the generation, transmission, and delivery of power in their respective utility areas. If the customer wasn’t happy with the rate, there was little they could do to change. Thanks to energy choice, customers can now switch away from the utility company to an alternate electric supplier that offers a lower price for generation services.
The city of Columbus has a population of nearly 900,000 people and is located two hours southwest of Akron. Energy prices tend to fluctuate in Columbus throughout the year. Residents can protect themselves from these market fluctuations by locking in a long-term fixed rate.
Utility Companies in Columbus
AEP Ohio is the main utility company responsible for managing power lines that deliver electricity to homes and businesses in the city. If you’re planning on moving to Columbus, then you will need to set up an electricity account with AEP Ohio. The delivery costs represent the regulated section of the electric bill. This means residents can’t switch to another utility company for delivery services.
Columbus Power Outage
Along with managing power lines, AEP Ohio is responsible for assuring the reliability of the power grid system. If you recently changed electric suppliers and experience a power outage, then you will still need to contact AEP Ohio. Thanks to advancements in technology, potential power outages can be detected and diverted before they occur. However, if you do need to report an outage, then contact the utility company.
- AEP Ohio Power Outage Number: 1-800-672-2231
Understanding Energy Choice in Ohio
If you recently moved to Columbus from a regulated area, then you may be a little confused about how energy choice works. You will be glad to know that if you change energy suppliers, you can expect to still receive one electric bill from the utility company. No worries about having to fumble around with separate energy bills. Most deregulated energy markets operate with single billing. This means both the delivery and supply charges will be incorporated in the same bill.
In 1999 the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) passed an act known as Senate Bill 3 (SB3). This act restructured the energy market and opened the door to outside energy suppliers to begin offering supply (generation) services to residents in the state. The utility companies are required to provide a default rate, also known as the price to compare, for supply services to customers that decide not to switch to an alternate electric supplier. Residents that shop around can use the utility’s price to compare to determine energy savings.
Renewable Energy Options for Columbus Residents
AEP Ohio customers can generate a percentage of their power from solar and wind turbines. Government programs and finance options from manufacturers have made self-power generation more affordable than ever before.
The first step is to hire a professional contractor that can properly install the equipment on your property. You then need to apply for a net energy metering service. Once approved, the system will be connected to the power grid. Once connected, begin enjoying credits for the power that is generated from your equipment.
Compare Electric Suppliers and Energy Plans
One of the great benefits of living in a deregulated energy market is being able to choose from a variety of energy plans offered by electric suppliers. Selecting the right electric supplier largely depends on the type of energy plan you want. The three most popular plans include fixed, variable, and 100% renewable energy.
Fixed rates do not change during the term of the agreement. Most people like the fact they know exactly what the rate will be and don’t have to worry about being hit with any surprises. Fixed rates also allow for easy budget planning. If you wish to lower the costs of the monthly bills, then use less energy.
Variable rates change monthly. The majority of customers select a variable rate plan when they don’t want to commit to a long-term plan. Most variable-rate plans allow the customer to cancel or change energy plans without having to pay an early cancellation fee. However, variable rates can change at the sole discretion of the energy supplier and may even double or triple in a single billing period.
100% renewable energy plans are growing in demand. These energy plans promise the customer the equivalent amount of energy consumed will be generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and power. The energy provider can meet this requirement through the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs).
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Switching Process Take?
When you sign up for a new energy supplier, expect to be switched over on the next available meter read. It is common for customers to wait two billing periods before the new supply rate shows up on the electric bill.
Is There an Early Cancellation Fee?
Most energy plans will charge an early cancellation fee if the customer changes electric suppliers before the expiration of the agreement. Early cancellation fees can range from $20 to over $300.
Are There Hidden Fees?
If the rate seems too good to be true then more than likely there will be additional charges in the plan. The terms and conditions will list all additional charges in the plan. A common charge that is included on top of the rate is the monthly base charge. The monthly base charge can range from $5 to $20 per month.
What Happens at the End of my Term?
If the energy plan expires and you take no action, then expect to be switched over to a monthly variable rate. Once this happens it is common for energy suppliers to jack up the rate. If you don’t want any unpleasant surprises, then we recommend shopping for a new energy plan a month before the term expires.