Independent rate reference - not affiliated with any utility or energy supplier. Data: EIA Electric Power Monthly, March 2026.Full disclaimer
ElectricityRatePerKWh

Electricity Rate in Ohio (2026): 18.78c/kWh Average

Residential Rate
18.78¢
per kWh
vs US Avg
+1%
0.22c above
Avg Monthly Bill
$149
879 kWh
Provider Choice
Yes
Can switch suppliers

Ohio Electricity Rate: What You Need to Know

Ohio electricity averages 18.78 cents per kWh for residential customers as of March 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 0.22c above the US average of 18.56c/kWh. The average monthly bill for Ohio households is $149 based on typical usage of 879 kWh.

Ohio has the highest deregulated-market switching rate of any US state at 57%, driven heavily by government aggregation: townships, cities, and counties negotiate bulk electricity supply contracts and automatically enroll residents who don't opt out. The PUCO Apples to Apples comparison portal (energychoice.ohio.gov) facilitates individual choice for consumers not covered by municipal aggregation. AEP Ohio, Duke Energy Ohio, and FirstEnergy serve delivery (wires only) in different parts of the state; the competitive supply portion is provided by dozens of retail suppliers. Ohio's average rate of 18.78c/kWh (March 2026) is close to the national average.

Generation mix: Natural gas 45%, nuclear 20%, coal 20%, renewables 15%. The fuel mix is a primary driver of electricity rates - states with abundant hydro or nuclear tend to have lower rates, while states dependent on imported petroleum (Hawaii) or natural gas pay more.

Year-over-year change: Ohio rates rose 16.6% year-over-year as of March 2026. This compares to the US average increase of 8.6% over the same period.

Deregulated: You Can Shop for a Better Rate

PUCO Apples to Apples (energychoice.ohio.gov) - 57% switching rate driven by government aggregation; AEP, Duke, FirstEnergy wires stay local

How to shop for a better rate ->

Your Ohio Electricity Bill Components

Energy charge (879 kWh x 18.78c)$165.08
Fixed customer charge (estimated)~$10.00
Estimated monthly total$175.08
All Sectors - Ohio
Residential18.78c
Commercial14.03c
Industrial9.81c
Dominant Utility
AEP Ohio / Duke Energy Ohio / FirstEnergy
Adjacent States
Indiana17.85c
Michigan21.20c
Pennsylvania20.92c
West Virginia16.37c
Calculate Your OH Bill

State pre-selected in our full bill calculator with TOU and commercial modes.

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Ohio Electricity: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electricity rate in Ohio in 2026?+
The average residential electricity rate in Ohio is 18.78 cents per kWh as of March 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 0.22c above the US average of 18.56c/kWh (+1%). The average monthly electricity bill in Ohio is approximately $149 based on 879 kWh typical monthly usage.
Can I switch electricity providers in Ohio?+
Yes - Ohio is a deregulated state. PUCO Apples to Apples (energychoice.ohio.gov) - 57% switching rate driven by government aggregation; AEP, Duke, FirstEnergy wires stay local The local utility (AEP Ohio / Duke Energy Ohio / FirstEnergy) still delivers the electricity; only the generation/supply charge is competitive.
What is the average monthly electricity bill in Ohio?+
The average Ohio household uses approximately 879 kWh per month. At 18.78c/kWh plus approximately $10 in fixed charges, the average monthly bill is $149. This varies by season (higher in summer for cooling-dominant states like Florida, higher in winter for heating-dominant states).
What is the primary electricity source in Ohio?+
Ohio's generation mix is primarily Natural gas 45%, nuclear 20%, coal 20%, renewables 15%. This fuel mix is a key factor in the state's electricity rate - states relying on hydro or nuclear typically have lower rates, while states heavily dependent on natural gas or petroleum (like Hawaii) face higher costs.
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