You can get a military discount on your Ohio electricity if you live in one of the deregulated electricity markets.
That includes getting a Duke Energy military discount. Or you can get a military discount if your utility is AEP-Ohio, Dayton Power & Light or any of the FirstEnergy Companies (The Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison or Toledo Edison).
Deregulation in Ohio – Information for Military Transplants
With deregulated energy markets, you can shop for a new supplier for your Ohio electricity, or get supply from the local utility company.
If you stay with the local utility company, you pay an electricity rate that can change several times a year. If you choose a supplier, not only will you get a fixed rate for electricity, but you can get a military discount on your power.
And if you get transferred elsewhere before the end of your electricity contract? No problem – just let your provider know you’re moving and they’ll waive the early termination penalty. That’s the law in Ohio.
In most of the state, you can also shop for an Ohio natural gas supplier for your home.
Companies with Military Discounts on Electricity
Direct Energy used to offer a military discount rate, but no more. Fear not! They have even better rates that we recommend for military personnel and veterans.
Look for Direct Energy’s odd-term rate plans. They will offer things like 22 months, or 17 month plans. These are called “term optimized” rates and they are specially created to give you the best price. You’ll often find these are the cheapest electricity plans for Ohio residents, whether military or non-military.
Shop electricity rates by zip code to see the best plans in your area.
Shop Electricity Plans in Your Area
Bases in Ohio with Deregulated Electricity
If you are active or retired military and live near any of these Ohio bases, you can shop for an electricity provider.
- Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Montgomery Ohio. Duke Energy is your utility company. Choose your supplier to get a low electricity rate.
- ISC Cleveland Coast Guard Base in Cleveland Ohio. The Illuminating Company is your utility company. Choose your supplier to get a low electricity rate
Ohio Utilities Budgeting – Basic Allowance for Housing
If you live off-base, your Basic Allowance for Housing is supposed to cover not only your rent, but also your utilities. Use the information below to help budget for your BAH.
The average Ohioan pays 11.8¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) (December 2020 EIA). And the average home of 1500 square fee uses about 728 kWh per month. That’s a monthly electricity bill around $85.90.
Your electricity bill may vary based on how you heat and cool your home. Around 20% of Ohio homes use electricity for heat. And your bill may be higher in the summer if you have central air conditioning.
But the price you pay for those units of power will vary, and depends on picking the best supplier.
