Apples to Apples Energy Choice Ohio is the state’s official tool for comparing electricity and natural gas supplier offers side by side. It works like a recipe for saving money: you gather your current usage, filter the offers, and pick the plan that fits your needs. This guide walks you through the process step by step, so you can make an informed choice without the confusion.
Ingredients
- 1 current electricity or natural gas bill (to find your usage in kWh or Mcf)
- 1 computer or smartphone with internet access
- 1 valid email address (for alerts, if you choose them)
- 1 calculator (optional, for comparing total costs)
- 1 copy of your utility’s terms of service (for reference)
Instructions
- Gather your most recent utility bill. Look for your usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) for electricity or in hundred cubic feet (Ccf) or thousand cubic feet (Mcf) for natural gas. You’ll need this to estimate your monthly cost.
- Go to the official Ohio Apples to Apples website (applestoapples.ohio.gov). This is the state’s Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) tool.
- Choose your utility from the dropdown menu. This is your local distribution company (e.g., AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, FirstEnergy, etc.). The tool will only show offers available in your area.
- Select your service type: electricity or natural gas. Then enter your usage from step 1. If you don’t have a bill, you can enter a typical amount (e.g., 750 kWh for electricity) to see sample pricing.
- Click “Search” or “Compare” to see the list of offers. The tool will display a table with columns for supplier, price per kWh (or Mcf), term length, and any fees.
- Review the offers carefully. Look for the “Price to Compare” (PTC) from your utility—this is the baseline price you’re currently paying. Any supplier offer below that could save you money, but check for hidden fees.
- Check the contract details: term length (e.g., 12 months, 24 months), early termination fees, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. Fixed rates stay the same; variable rates can change monthly.
- Calculate your estimated monthly cost: multiply your usage by the supplier’s rate. For example, 750 kWh × $0.06/kWh = $45. Add any monthly fees to compare total costs.
- Once you’ve chosen an offer, click through to the supplier’s website to sign up. You’ll need your utility account number and other details.
- After enrolling, keep an eye on your first bill to confirm the rate and any changes. You can switch suppliers anytime, but check for cancellation fees.
Tips
- Always compare the “Price to Compare” (PTC) from your utility. This is the standard price you’d pay without a supplier. If a supplier’s rate is higher, you’ll pay more.
- Watch for teaser rates that jump after a few months. Some offers have a low introductory rate that increases later. Read the fine print.
- If you use a lot of energy, a fixed-rate plan can protect you from price spikes. If you use little, a variable plan might be cheaper, but it’s riskier.
- Don’t forget to check if your utility offers a “standard choice” or “default” option—sometimes it’s competitive, and you don’t need to switch.
Serving Suggestions
Use the comparison tool once a year or whenever your contract is up for renewal. It’s also great when you move to a new home or when you notice your bill creeping up. Pair it with a budget spreadsheet to track your savings over time.
Variations
- Green Energy Options: Some suppliers offer plans with renewable energy credits. These may cost more but support clean energy.
- Budget Billing: Some suppliers offer levelized billing, spreading costs evenly across the year. This is helpful if your usage varies seasonally.
- Short-Term vs. Long-Term: A 6-month plan might be good if you’re moving soon, while a 24-month plan locks in a rate for longer.
- Natural Gas vs. Electricity: The tool works for both, but the pricing units differ. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples (pun intended) by using the same unit.
Storage and Reheating
Your comparison results are stored on the PUCO website for the duration of your session, but you can print or save them as a PDF. For future reference, bookmark the page and save your usage data in a spreadsheet. If you switch suppliers, keep your contract and confirmation emails in a folder—you’ll need them if there’s a billing dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Apples to Apples tool? It’s a free, state-run website that lets you compare electricity and natural gas supplier offers in Ohio. It shows prices, terms, and fees so you can choose the best deal.
Do I have to switch to a supplier? No. You can stay with your utility’s standard offer, which is the Price to Compare. The tool helps you see if another supplier can save you money.
Can I switch suppliers anytime? Yes, but check for early termination fees. Some contracts have penalties if you cancel before the term ends. The tool lists these fees.
What does “fixed rate” mean? A fixed rate stays the same for the entire contract term, protecting you from price increases. A variable rate can change monthly based on market conditions.
Is the tool accurate? The PUCO updates the data regularly, but prices can change. Always confirm the final rate on the supplier’s website before signing up.
What if I have solar panels? The tool still works, but you may have net metering credits. Check with your utility to understand how supplier choice interacts with solar.
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