Residents living in the city of Dayton have the choice to switch electric suppliers and save 20% or more on the electric bill. Dayton electricity rates are open to competition thanks to the passage of Senate Bill 3 (SB3). SB3 is the act passed in 1999 and implemented in 2001 that changed the structure of Ohio’s energy market, giving more power to residents in controlling their energy costs. Before energy choice, residents had to stick with their utility company for generation services. SB3 opened in the energy market to outside energy suppliers giving consumers the option to switch electric suppliers and lower the supply or generation rate on the electric bill.
The city of Dayton has a population of just over 140,000 people and is located about an hour west of Columbus. The weather varies throughout the year. With hot summers and cold winters, energy demand is constantly fluctuating. Residents may choose to lock in a long-term fixed rate to protect themselves from the volatility of the energy market.
Utility Companies in Dayton
The main utility company in the city for electricity is Dayton Power and Light. The utility company is responsible for maintaining the power lines to deliver the electricity to residents in its service area. The delivery costs are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Customers will not be able to change utility companies for the delivery charge services. Given the logistics involved, this will not be possible.
Dayton Power and Light is also required to act as the supplier of last resort to customers that decide not to switch electric suppliers. The default rate for supply services is known as the price to compare and changes throughout the year.
Dayton Power Outages
The utility company is responsible for assuring the reliability of the lines and wires in their respective service area. If you change electric suppliers and the lights go out, then you will need to contact Dayton Power and Light. Fortunately, power outages are a rare occurrence thanks to upgrades and constant maintenance to the power grid system.
- Dayton Power and Light Power Outage Number: 1-877-468-8243
Understanding Energy Choice in Ohio
If you’re just moving to the city and new to energy choice, then it’s important to understand the basics. The electric bill is separated into two main sections that include the delivery and supply charge. The delivery charge is handled by the utility company and represents the regulated section of the electric bill.
The section of the electric bill you need to pay attention to is the supply charge. The supply charge or generation charge represents the deregulated section of the bill and is the cost of generating the power the customer is expected to use for a period. Switching electric suppliers will allow you to lower the supply rate, therefore the cost of power generation. The passage of SB3 paved the way for energy suppliers to enter Ohio’s energy market and provide an alternate choice for supply or generation services.
Dayton residents that switch energy suppliers will still receive one electric bill from their utility company. The electric bill will incorporate both the delivery and supply charges. This method of billing is known as single billing. Customers that choose dual billing will receive one bill from the utility company for delivery costs, and a separate bill from the chosen electric supplier for supply costs.
Renewable Energy Options for Daytonians
Electricity generation from renewable energy sources accounts for only three percent of the overall power generation in the state. Out of this percentage, wind makes up three-fifths, followed by biomass at one-fifth, and solar at just over one-tenth, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Most states have implemented a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that requires a percentage of electricity sold in the state to come from renewable energy sources. Although Ohio’s regulations aren’t as aggressive as other states, the required percentage of electricity generated from renewable energy sources is expected to be 8.5% by 2026.
More energy suppliers than ever before are providing customers the option to choose a 100% renewable energy plan. Just Energy and Spark Energy are just two reputable energy suppliers that provide green options to consumers at competitive prices.
Compare Electric Suppliers and Save
It’s never been so easy to compare electric suppliers and switch to a lower rate. Several price comparisons sites make it easy for consumers to compare energy plans. However, if you’re not careful you may be hit with additional fees. Before rushing into a plan, it is important to read the terms and conditions to understand additional charges that may come with the rate.
The most common fee includes the monthly base fee. Energy suppliers may charge a monthly base fee of five dollars or higher. This fee will be added on top of the generation or supply rate. By the time you add up all the charges, you may realize the plan is higher than you initially thought.
ElectricRateSelect.com offers a platform along with great customer service to make it easier for consumers to pick the right energy plan. Call one of our live energy advisors today and we will be happy to walk you through the process!