Updated: March 2026
Commercial electricity and gas rates, energy market structure, regulations, and utility providers for property managers operating in Ohio.
Ohio has a deregulated electricity market where commercial customers can choose competitive Retail Electric Service (CRES) providers for generation supply. AEP Ohio, Duke Energy Ohio, and FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, CEI) serve as distribution utilities. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) oversees retail competition. Government aggregation programs allow municipalities to negotiate bulk rates.
What this means for property managers:
In Ohio's deregulated market, you can shop for competitive electricity supply rates from third-party providers. This creates opportunities for cost savings through contract negotiation, but also requires active management of supply contracts, renewal timelines, and market price monitoring. Distribution charges remain fixed with your local utility.
Commercial customers can choose their electricity supplier from competitive providers.
Stable
Rates relatively stable due to competitive supply market and diverse generation portfolio. However, transmission rider costs from PJM are increasing and non-bypassable charges continue to grow.
Ohio has no statewide energy benchmarking mandates. The state has rolled back some renewable energy standards in recent years. Columbus and Cleveland have explored municipal benchmarking but have not enacted mandatory programs. Ohio's commercial energy market is characterized by competitive supply pricing but complex bill structures with numerous riders and surcharges.
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