The Facts and Myths of Ohio Energy Choice

How Ohio Energy Choice Benefits You.

The days of Ohioans being stuck with one energy supplier are long gone. Since 1997, Ohio residents have been able to choose their electric and natural gas suppliers based on plans that best fit their needs. This freedom of choice comes as a result of energy deregulation.

Many people find it hard to switch energy suppliers. It can feel scary and risky. Depending on the company you pick, it might be. That’s why choosing the right company is so important.

In this article, we will guide you on how to choose and switch to your favorite energy supplier in Ohio. We’ll also offer tips on what to look for and disprove any myths you may have heard along the way.

Switching your energy supplier may feel overwhelming at first. However, we have created a simple guide to help. This guide will walk you through the process step by step and answer some common questions along the way.

Understanding Your Choices

It’s important to understand what service you are switching to before you start. By changing your electricity supply, you will switch the company that provides the energy to your home.

These supply costs make up the majority of your bill and vary by company. By finding a supplier with lower prices, your bill may decrease as a result. Price isn’t the only criteria to use, though—but more on that later.

Your utility company will stay the same. This electric company delivers energy to your home through wires or pipelines, no matter what you decide. Ohio utility companies support their customers’ energy choice options and even include the supplier’s charges on their bills.

What Are You Paying Now?

Start by understanding what you’re currently paying. Look at the energy supply line on your past few bills.

This shows how much energy you are using and what you are paying for it. This number will help you when looking at new options. Different suppliers offer different prices that, over time, can have a significant impact on your total energy bill.

If you’re currently with a utility company, you can move at any time. If you have an energy supplier, check if your contract lets you move. If it doesn’t, you might face early cancellation fees.

Research Your Options

A simple online search of electric suppliers in Ohio is a great place to start your research to save money with a new electricity plan. Here are some of the criteria worth looking at:

• Company history—Do they have a license for your specific area? What is their level of energy experience and reputation?
• Pricing—Shopping only for the lowest price is like buying a car just for the color. This is like fixed vs adjustable rate mortgages. Also, think about the future changes in energy costs. A low price can help you take advantage of energy market price differences. You should think about how much stability you want in your monthly payments.
• Price stability is also very important. How would you like to keep your price stable, even during heat waves and cold polar vortexes? Many energy suppliers in Ohio offer fixed-rate plans and variable rates to accommodate any budget.
• Term length—This is the length of time you are contractually committed to a supplier. Terms are typically 12, 18, or 24 months. Locking in your term helps you know you’re not going to be hit by seasonal price fluctuations. Choosing the right length can often become a balancing act depending on where the market is and what time of year it is when switching.
• Fees and surcharges—Some fees are fairly standard when it comes to energy suppliers. One example is early cancellation fees, which would be charged if you wanted to cancel (for any reason other than moving) before your term expires. Some suppliers, however, have hidden fees such as enrollment fees, monthly charges or early termination fees, so make sure you read their Terms and
• Reward programs—A few firms offer programs that allow you to earn rewards based on how long you’ve been a customer, monthly usage, monthly spend, etc. This is a great way to earn discounts and savings for something you already pay for every month.
• Customer service—Many utilities and energy suppliers don’t have much in the way of customer support. As a result, it may be difficult to get an answer when you have a question or there is a problem. Choose a company that offers adequate availability, either 24/7 or during regular weekday hours.

Make the Choice

Once you’ve decided on your new energy supplier, it’s time to switch your service over. Make sure you have your utility’s energy bill on hand. You can either call your new supplier on the phone or use their online form to enter your personal information: billing address, service address, utility information, etc.

Your new supplier will notify your utility company of the change, send Terms of Service, and you can cancel within a week if needed. Energy bills remain the same.