In Ohio, consumers can access competitive energy rates and contract terms with the help of a state program. The Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO) runs this program, which compares suppliers through a chart.
PUCO requires residential energy suppliers to publish their rates on this Apple comparison chart. But comparing only apples to apples can be misleading for Ohio energy shoppers.
It Doesn’t Include Commercial Rates
Since Ohio’s energy deregulation, millions of customers have switched to new suppliers for better rates and contract terms. However, the Apples to Apples Ohio tool only compares residential rates and not commercial rates, which are more complex and vary by usage patterns, location, load shape, and other factors. When developing a plan for each commercial customer, energy suppliers must consider these factors. As a result, the “Price to Compare” that appears on the PUCO tool is primarily used as a teaser rate rather than for comparison purposes.
While PUCO’s website is a great place to start your research, it leaves you searching for important information. For example, many deregulated states publish an electricity supplier scorecard outlining the company’s history of consumer complaints and violations. However, PUCO does not do this for its Apples to Apples site, leaving you vulnerable to questionable companies who use the site to tempt you with low rates and then jack up your bill with hidden fees that can’t be found anywhere on their website.
It Doesn’t Include Fees
Since Ohio’s electricity and natural gas deregulation in 2001, millions of Ohioans have been able to shop for their energy suppliers for competitive rates and plans. The PUCO’s Apples to Apples comparison chart makes it easy for homeowners and businesses to view their options by comparing prices and offers.
But comparing prices and plans on the PUCO’s website is not as simple as it sounds. For one, the PUCO’s Apples to Apple tool displays all available offers randomly, so something can only appear near the top of the list. And the Apples to Apple chart doesn’t include fees, which are a significant part of your total energy bill.
Another issue is that the PUCO’s online Apples to Apples chart doesn’t display commercial energy rates, higher than residential rates. For business owners, finding the best energy supplier is challenging. Ultimately, the PUCO’s Apples-to-Apples chart may not help business owners find the best deal on their energy supply.
In addition to helping consumers find the correct energy rate, plan terms, and customer service for their unique needs, an independent website can help them take advantage of aggregation programs that allow local communities to shop together for their energy needs.
It Doesn’t Include Time-Based Rates
Since Ohio’s energy deregulation started, millions of residents and business owners have saved money on their electricity rates by switching to new suppliers. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s Apples to Apples comparison chart gives consumers a variety of rates to choose from and helps balance supplier and customer interests.
Customers can enter their zip code and select their desired rate when using the tool. Then, they are presented with a list of energy supply companies offering the selected rate and contract length. The list also outlines the name and address, energy type and amount of renewable content, the term length, early termination fee, any monthly fee, if any, and promo offer details.
Unfortunately, the list provides no information about the supplier company, history, or reputation. Most other deregulated states include information such as complaints, violation records, and customer service ratings in their Apples to Apples comparison tools.
PUCO’s website is a valuable resource for shoppers, but if you are searching for the best rates available, it may take more than just one visit to find the perfect plan. To save time, many customers use an independent service to sort through the plans offered in their area, find suitable options, and make an informed decision.
It Doesn’t Include Customer Service
Since Ohio’s energy market became deregulated in 2001, millions of consumers have switched their electricity suppliers. PUCO’s Apples to Apples comparison tool allows Ohioans to see rates from certified providers and compare plans, rates, and contracts available to them based on their utility and zip code.
The PUCO’s Apples to Apples tool is excellent for helping consumers find the best possible deal on their electricity and gas. However, it does not provide all the information needed to make a well-informed decision. For example, it doesn’t tell you about hidden fees or bad customer reviews. It also doesn’t let you know what happens when your contract ends.
In addition to PUCO’s online Apples to Apples tool, there are other tools and resources for consumers looking to get their hands on the facts about their current supplier and their options.
Other PUCO resources include information about how to file a complaint, the steps for switching, and general information about energy customer rights. In addition, the PUCO regulates aggregation programs for Ohio citizens, allowing them to shop as one large consumer group with suppliers that bid on their community’s business.