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Anyone who’s stared down a high energy bill has likely wondered what drives the cost up. Behind every utility charge lies a few potential culprits: high rates, appliance usage, and fuel scarcity. Of course, before you find the problem, you’ll need to set a price baseline. For Ohioans, the best place to start is figuring out the average electric bill in Ohio.

Every state brings unique energy concerns to the table. So on top of the average electric bill in Ohio, we’ll give you info on electricity rates and how they compare to the national average. Along with details about Ohio’s utility policies, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to help you save on electricity.

What Is the Average Ohio Electric Bill?

The average electric bill in Ohio comes out to $128.33. Compared to the average U.S. electric bill of $141.41, Ohio falls 9.69% below the national average. 

You can calculate an electric bill based on your energy consumption and utility rate. Based on government data, the average household in Ohio uses 879 kWh each month. Multiplying that figure by the average cost per kilowatt hour in Ohio comes out to an average electric bill of  $128.33.

Note: Several factors can set your monthly bill apart from the average rate. Internal causes like increased appliance use will increase costs. External factors like inclement weather can also increase the price. If your bill looks too high, check out our guide to the most common causes of high electric bills. 

Electric Rates in Ohio

Your exact electric rate can change based on your sector, or what the energy gets used for. Someone buying energy to power their house pays a different rate than a business owner keeping the lights on in their store, for example:

Average utilities cost in Ohio by sector (2023):

• Residential: 14.60 ¢/kWh (cents per kilowatt hour)
• Commercial: 10.65 ¢/kWh
• Industrial: 7.60 ¢/kWh

Does the Rate Vary by Region?

Location can dramatically change your electric bill. Infrastructure, fossil fuel access, and local consumption all affect your bill. To highlight how much the price varies, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) breaks down rates by region. You can review some metro area averages below:

• Akron: $118.78
• Canton: $144.97
• Cincinnati: $115.89
• Cleveland: $118.48
• Columbus: $144.99
• Dayton: $141.97
• Toledo: $119.82
• Youngstown: $118.78

Has the Rate Changed Over Time?

Across sectors, the cost of electricity has steadily risen in recent years. In Ohio, there’s been a notable price jump since 2010. In the past 13 years, costs have increased from:

• $11.31 to $14.60 ¢/kWh for residential usage—a 29.08% increase
• $9.73 to $10.65 ¢/kWh for commercial usage—a 9.45% increase 
• $6.40 to $7.60¢/kWh for industrial usage—an 18.75% increase 

Utility Information for Ohio Apartment Renters

Renters and homeowners don’t always share the same electricity concerns. Depending on their lease, renters may have to pay for utilities through a third party or with an added step. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as a renter: 

• Renters may have to set up a personal account with a provider and pay their own utility bill. 
• Some landlords include utilities in the rent. In this case, landlords must set up utility services and pay the monthly bill from your rent. 
• Some buildings charge prorated utilities. This means individual tenants don’t pay for their personal energy usage. Instead, all tenants in the building pay an average based on everyone’s usage. 
• Some landlords submeter, or purchase a utility and resell it to tenants. Instead of paying the utility provider, tenants will pay the submetering company. Note that some submetering businesses inflate customers’ bills. 

Energy Cost for Apartments vs. Homes

The average cost of utilities in Ohio depends on the size of your abode. As a result, buying electricity for an apartment tends to cost less than a house. The number of bedrooms and tenants in a unit will also shape your bill. 

Based on the regional energy expenditure per household, here’s an idea of what apartment vs. home electric bills may look like in Ohio: 

• Single-family detached home: $182.16
• Single-family attached home: $136.33
• Apartments in buildings with 2–4 units: $109
• Apartments in buildings with 5 or more units: $81.16
• Mobile homes: $148.66

Note: These figures are approximations and do not account for factors like the age of your home, the number of residents, or appliance usage. 

Factors To Consider for Electricity Plans in Ohio

Besides the cost per kWh in Ohio, utility plans involve different timelines or fee structures. To help explain what providers offer, we’ll break down the main factors of an electric plan.

Fixed and Variable Rates

Even if two plans charge the same base rate for electricity, the amount you pay each month will vary depending on your fee structure. Fixed and variable rates charge customers in different ways:

• Fixed rates charge the same amount for kilowatt hours throughout your contract. So, if market prices for electricity change, you won’t see a difference. These plans are easier to budget around, thanks to their consistency. 
• Variable rates let the market price of electricity and other outside factors affect your bill. When the cost of electricity goes up, so does your bill. However, the opposite is also true, so variable rates may incur lower costs overall.

Plan Length

Not all electric supply contracts last for the same amount of time. While a few providers offer plans for less than six months, most companies set up contracts for six months to a year. However, some companies will offer three-to-four-year arrangements. To help sell longer contracts, providers may offer rate caps or a low initial price. 

Additional Charges

Suppliers can add extra costs to their plans. A few examples include:

• Monthly fees: Some companies charge additional payments to maintain a contract. The rate does not change based on energy usage. 
• Intro price: Providers may set an initial rate for the beginning of their contracts. Once the intro rate period ends (usually after a few months), customers pay the one specified in their plan. 
• Early-term fees: Some customers incur a charge for ending their contract early.

Promotional Offers

To stand out from the competition, providers may add benefits to their contracts, such as:

• Caps on variable rates
• Reward dollars
• Rebates
• Discounts for new customers

If you’re looking to skip the process of researching benefits and the cheapest electricity supplier in Ohio, Arbor can find the best plan for you. 

Consumer Protections for PUCO-Regulated Utilities

PUCO regulates energy companies in Ohio. Except for some municipal providers controlled by counties and cities, PUCO ensures companies offer reliable and safe utilities by implementing consumer protections and energy regulations. A few examples include:

• Utility companies must send a notice 14 days before shutting off customers' power. Between November 1 and April 15, companies must give an extra 10-day notice.
• Providers must offer a payment plan option if customers can't make payments before losing their power.
• If losing energy would affect someone in your home who suffers from a medical condition, you can apply for a medical certification. This will delay the disconnection by 30 days. 

FAQ About Ohio Electric Bills

Below, we answer a few common questions about utility bills to help you stay on top of electric costs. 

What’s a Good Rate for Electricity in Ohio?

Ohio's residential electric rate averages 14.60 ¢/kWh, so anything less will put you ahead of most customers. Still, keep in mind that your electric bill is determined by more factors than just your electric rate, including your fee structure and contract length.

How Do Ohio Electric Bills Compare to the National Average?

The average utility cost in Ohio falls below the national average. That said, the exact amount you pay in Ohio will depend on your sector. As of February 2023, the U.S. average electric rates come out to:

• Residential: 15.96 ¢/kWh—Ohio’s rate of 14.60 ¢/kWh falls 8.5% below the national average.
• Commercial: 12.77 ¢/kWh—Ohio’s rate of 10.65 ¢/kWh falls 18.1% below the national average.
• Industrial: 8.15 ¢/kWh—Ohio’s rate of 7.60 ¢/kWh falls 6.9% below the national average.

What Factors Increase Your Ohio Electric Bill?

Outside factors can increase your bill even if your electrical rate doesn't change. Although some are more common than others, the most likely causes include:

• Extreme weather: Energy usage tends to increase in extreme heat and cold. Expect higher bills in the middle of summer and winter. 
• Extra billing days: Billing cycles with more days will come at a higher cost. On the front page of your bill, you can see the number of days in a cycle. 
• Supply chain issues: Disrupted supply chains limit access to the fuel that generates electricity. As the supply goes down, even steady demand raises prices. 
• The status of the electrical grids: Damaged grids struggle to generate power effectively. As a downstream effect, customers pay more for the energy they receive.
• Inflation: As the cost of all goods increases, energy prices rise with them. 
• International events: The war in Ukraine and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have affected power bills across the globe. International tensions, trade, and demand can affect domestic customers. 
• Energy auctions: When energy companies place higher bids for contracts to generate power, they recoup that cost in bills. 

Lower Your Ohio Electric Bill With Arbor

Whether you need to keep the AC on or run a business, there's no getting around your electricity bill. But by staying on top of the price, you can anticipate costs and budget accordingly. 

If you'd like to find a lower rate automatically, Arbor can help. By simply entering your ZIP code, we'll find new utility plans in your area to save on your monthly bill. Then, with a few keystrokes, you can enjoy a lower rate at no additional charge or legwork on your part.