Utilities setup and providers in Ohio: Major utility providers: AEP Ohio, Duke Energy. Natural gas companies: Columbia Gas, Dominion Energy. Water services managed locally by municipalities. Internet options: Spectrum, AT&T, Cincinnati Bell. Compare rates via PUCO Energy Choice Ohio. Average electricity cost: $0.13 per kWh. Utility assistance programs for low-income families. Outage alerts: sign up with utility provider. Open accounts before moving day. Off-peak rates available with some providers.
Major utility providers: AEP Ohio, Duke Energy.
In Ohio, major utility providers include AEP Ohio and Duke Energy. AEP Ohio delivers electricity to over five million customers and offers competitive retail energy services through AEP Energy, while Duke Energy provides electricity and natural gas to millions of customers across the state, with options for returning to their service if customers are currently with other suppliers.
Natural gas companies: Columbia Gas, Dominion Energy.
In Ohio, the primary natural gas providers include Columbia Gas of Ohio, which serves nearly 1.4 million customers across north, south-central, and eastern Ohio, and Dominion Energy Ohio, which serves 1.2 million customers, particularly in the Cleveland area. Both companies are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and offer various rates and services, including options to choose from different suppliers in the deregulated Ohio Energy Market.
Water services managed locally by municipalities.
In Ohio, water services are often managed locally by municipalities, with the Director of Public Service responsible for managing, conducting, and controlling the water works. This includes furnishing water supplies, collecting water rents, and maintaining the necessary infrastructure. For more detailed information, you can refer to the Ohio Revised Code, which provides guidance and regulations pertaining to these responsibilities and the overall management of water services within the state.
Internet options: Spectrum, AT&T, Cincinnati Bell.
In Cincinnati, Ohio, the primary internet providers include Altafiber, formerly Cincinnati Bell, known for its fast speeds and reasonable pricing, offering plans up to 2 Gbps. Spectrum is another major provider, offering cable internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps. Meanwhile, AT&T's presence is limited to 5G home internet options through AT&T Internet Air, which is not as widely available as the other two. For detailed comparisons and more information on these services, check out the article on CNET.
Compare rates via PUCO Energy Choice Ohio.
The PUCO's Energy Choice Ohio website allows customers to compare electricity rates and plans from various competitive suppliers, providing tools like the "Apples-to-Apples" charts to help users make informed decisions about their energy providers, including rates, contract terms, and other plan differences.
Average electricity cost: $0.13 per kWh.
In Ohio, the average residential electricity rate is 15.86 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is 4.6% lower than the national average of 16.62 cents per kWh. Utility companies like AES Ohio, American Electric Power (AEP Ohio), Duke Energy, and FirstEnergy play a crucial role in delivering electricity and maintaining the infrastructure. These companies offer various rates depending on the provider and plan, which can be explored further on Choose Energy. Understanding these variations is essential for consumers aiming to optimize their energy expenses in Ohio.
Utility assistance programs for low-income families.
Ohio offers several utility assistance programs for low-income families, including the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus), and the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP). These programs provide financial assistance, payment plans, and energy efficiency improvements for households with incomes at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Outage alerts: sign up with utility provider.
To receive outage alerts with FirstEnergy, you can register for text message notifications by texting "REG" to 544487 (LIGHTS) along with your account number and zip code. Alternatively, you can sign into your online account and update the Text & Email Alerts page to stay informed about any service disruptions in your area.
Open accounts before moving day.
To set up or transfer utility services in Ohio, it is recommended to place your service request at least 3 business days before your move-in date. You will need to provide information such as your new address, move-in date, mailing address, phone number, and email address, and may be required to pay a security deposit based on your payment history and energy usage. For more detailed guidance, visit the AES Ohio Residential Moving page to ensure a smooth transition of your utility services.
Off-peak rates available with some providers.
In Ohio, some utility companies such as Ohio Edison, Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison offer Time-Varying Rates (TVR) that encourage consumers to use electricity during off-peak and shoulder peak hours. This approach can potentially save money by reducing strain on the electrical grid. To explore more about these benefits and how they work, visit the Time-Varying Rates page.