{"id":3241,"date":"2018-06-11T16:58:53","date_gmt":"2018-06-11T21:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/electricityplans.com\/ohio\/?page_id=3241"},"modified":"2024-12-11T17:48:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T22:48:02","slug":"puco-public-utilities-commission-of-ohio","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/electricityplans.com\/ohio\/puco-public-utilities-commission-of-ohio\/","title":{"rendered":"PUCO – Public Utilities Commission of Ohio"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO)<\/a> regulates providers of utility services in the state of Ohio as a consumer protector. PUCO oversees electric and natural gas companies, plus local and long distance telephone companies, water and wastewater companies, and rail and trucking companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ohio electricity deregulation has been in place since 2001. So why, if it\u2019s deregulated, is there still a need for a regulatory agency? Great question, and we\u2019re going to answer it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What are the Responsibilities of PUCO?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The PUCO has 5 main responsibilities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Ensure that all Certified Retail Electric Suppliers (CRES) behave responsibly, and in the best interests of Ohio citizens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Help you resolve any disputes between you and your electric supplier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Ensure that the Ohio electricity grid provides safe and reliable services to all consumers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Review and approve utility rates. They review both the delivery rates and \u201cstandard service offer rates\u201d (SSO) for each utility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Maintain the EnergyChoice Ohio website, including the PUCO apples to apples electric page to help you compare rates.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    But for most consumers, their biggest role is in managing the apples to apples Ohio shopping site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    PUCO Apples to Apples Ohio Shopping Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Apples to Apples Ohio, also known as Energy Choice Ohio or EnergyChoice.Ohio.gov<\/a>, is a state-run electricity rate comparison site run by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio. You can select your utility company on the website and view a list of electricity suppliers that are offering deals in your area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It’s a great resource but has limited search capabilities. For example, you can’t search by zip code, which makes things difficult if you’re new to the area and don’t know your utility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As a state-run resource, there’s also no screening or evaluation of offers. Every certified electric supplier can list their plans, regardless of their customer service, reputation, longevity in the market or complaints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That’s why we created ElectricityPlans.com.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why Shop for Ohio Electricity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Electricity deregulation in Ohio started in January 2001 with the implementation of the Ohio Energy Choice program. The structure of the market is why you should shop for an electricity supplier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Utilities set their prices based on a series of auctions where they purchase power. Their rates change typically 2-4 times annually. When you take the utility standard service offer, also called the price to compare, you have no stability in your electricity bill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When you shop for an Ohio electric supplier, you can lock in a fixed rate electricity plan for your electricity. Suppliers shop for power in the forward markets, something your utility can’t do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shopping for Ohio electricity gives you price certainty and rate stability. That lets you better manage your budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Read more:<\/strong> Learn How to Shop for an Electric Supplier in Ohio<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your Electricity Price to Compare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You can choose your electricity supplier if you live in any of these utility markets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n