Ohio

Gas Market

Ohio’s natural gas market opened for retail competition in 1997 when the state enacted legislation to allow customers to choose their natural gas supplier. This move aimed to give consumers more options, lower costs, and innovative products by ending the utility monopoly on gas supply services.

Electricity Market

A few years later, in 1999, Ohio also reformed its electricity market through Senate Bill 3, enabling retail electric choice for consumers. Commonly referred to as “deregulation,” this market transformation was more accurately a “restructuring,” granting consumers the power to select their preferred retail electric suppliers.

Retail choice allows consumers to benefit from competitive pricing, flexible contracts, renewable energy options, and improved customer service compared to traditional utility monopolies. Ohio is among 13 states and the District of Columbia that offers retail energy choice.

RESOURCES FOR OHIOANS

Ohio’s Apples to Apples Program: Simplifying Energy Supplier Comparisons

The Public Utility of Ohio’s (PUCO’s) Apples to Apples program allows Ohio consumers to compare energy suppliers’ prices and plans easily. This tool helps users make informed decisions about their energy options, including plan types and contract lengths. You can access this comparison tool and other valuable resources on the Energy Choice Ohio website.

RESA’s Website

A guide to understanding energy terms can be found in RESA’s online energy glossary. RESA also offers a consumer education guide and an energy shopping guide.