Cincinnati Electricity Rates Duke Energy, Aggregation Programs, and Savings Guide

Cincinnati Electricity Market Overview

Cincinnati electricity customers are served by Duke Energy Ohio, providing both delivery infrastructure and default generation supply. Duke Energy Ohio service area:

Total customers: ~900,000
Coverage: Greater Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio
Counties: Hamilton, Butler, Warren

Your electricity options:

Duke Energy default service – Current Price to Compare rate
Cincinnati Electric Aggregation Program – 100% green energy, auto-enrolled
Competitive suppliers – Via PUCO Apples to Apples

💡 Ohio electricity deregulation (1999) gives you the right to choose your supplier while Duke Energy continues delivering power.

Duke Energy Ohio Price to Compare

Duke Energy Ohio Price to Compare (PTC) for residential customers is 10.2¢/kWh (as of December 2025). Rate history (2025):

Early 2025: ~8.02¢/kWh
June 2025: 10.445¢/kWh (PUCO-approved ~30% increase)
December 2025: 10.2¢/kWh (current)

Impact on bills:

~$8/month increase for average 1,000 kWh usage
Current PTC in effect through February 2026

💡 The Price to Compare appears on your bill – suppliers offering rates below this can provide savings.

Cincinnati Electric Aggregation Program

The Cincinnati Electric Aggregation Program is a model for municipal electricity choice – the nation's first large-city 100% green energy aggregation. Program details:

Approved: 2011 (nearly 60% voter support)
Launched: 2012
Current supplier: Dynegy
Rate: 10.73¢/kWh (May 2025 – May 2026)
Energy: 100% renewable, 15% local solar (since May 2024)

Benefits:

Fixed-rate stability
100% renewable energy
Free opt-out anytime, no cancellation fees
$5.88 million saved by residents in 2022

✅ Eligible customers automatically enrolled – no action required.

Comparing Cincinnati Electricity Options

Cincinnati residents can compare several electricity supply options. Rate comparison:

Duke Energy standard: 10.2¢/kWh (no renewable benefits)
Cincinnati Aggregation: 10.73¢/kWh (100% renewable, rate stability)
Competitive suppliers: As low as 6.69¢/kWh (42% below PTC)

⚠️ Competitive supplier considerations:

May include early termination fees
Variable rates can increase
Automatic renewal clauses

When comparing, focus on:

Supply rate per kWh
Contract terms
Renewable energy content
Cancellation penalties

💡 PUCO recommends the official Apples to Apples comparison tool to research licensed suppliers.

Understanding Duke Energy Delivery Charges

Your Duke Energy bill includes delivery charges that remain constant regardless of your electricity supplier. Delivery charge components:

Customer charge – Fixed monthly fee
Distribution charges – Per kWh consumed
Transmission charges – Moving power through PJM grid
Various riders – Energy efficiency programs, etc.

Total delivery costs:

Typically 4-5¢/kWh beyond supply charges
Regulated by PUCO
Cannot be avoided by switching suppliers

💡 When calculating total costs, add your supply rate (Duke Energy, aggregation, or supplier) to these fixed delivery charges.

Green Energy Options for Cincinnati Residents

Cincinnati offers strong renewable energy options for environmentally conscious residents. Green energy choices:

Cincinnati Aggregation: 100% renewable, 15% local solar (since May 2024)
Competitive suppliers: Various renewable plans at different price points
Duke Energy Renewable Connections: Support solar development

Understanding green claims:

Most green electricity claims backed by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
Cincinnati aggregation green credentials verified through procurement

💡 For maximum local impact: Stay in aggregation for local solar, or ask suppliers about Ohio-based renewable sources.

Strategies for Lowering Cincinnati Electric Bills

Cincinnati residents facing higher 2025 rates can employ several savings strategies. Supply cost strategies:

Compare suppliers – PUCO Apples to Apples shows rates as low as 6.69¢/kWh
Aggregation trade-off – Renewable benefits vs. lowest cost

Duke Energy efficiency programs:

Rebates on efficient appliances
Smart thermostat incentives
Weatherization programs
Home Energy House Call – Free energy assessments

Additional strategies:

Budget billing – Spread costs evenly
Usage alerts – Manage peak demand
PIPP Plus – Low-income payment assistance

Duke Energy Outage Reporting in Cincinnati

Duke Energy handles all power outages throughout Cincinnati regardless of your electricity supplier choice. How to report outages:

📞 Call: 1-800-543-5599
📱 App: Duke Energy mobile app
💻 Online: Outage map at duke-energy.com

Common causes of Cincinnati outages:

Severe thunderstorms
Ice storms
High winds
Occasional tornado activity

Grid improvements:

Smart meters
Automated switching equipment
Vegetation management

🚨 Emergency: Downed power lines – call immediately and maintain safe distance. 💡 Tip: Sign up for Duke Energy outage alerts (text, email, or phone).

Understanding Your Cincinnati Electric Bill

Duke Energy electric bills for Cincinnati customers separate charges into supply and delivery components. Supply charges (variable):

Duke Energy standard: 10.2¢/kWh (Price to Compare)
Cincinnati aggregation rate: 10.73¢/kWh
Competitive supplier rate: Varies by contract

Delivery charges (constant):

Customer charge
Distribution charges
Transmission charges
Various riders

Total Cincinnati electricity costs:

Typically 14-16¢/kWh including all charges

💡 Even with aggregation or competitive supplier, your bill still comes from Duke Energy with supplier charges included.

Cincinnati Electricity Resources and Contacts

Duke Energy Ohio contacts:

📞 Customer service/outages: 1-800-543-5599
💻 Online: duke-energy.com
🏠 Home Energy House Call: Free assessments

Cincinnati Aggregation:

💻 cincinnati-oh.gov/oes
📞 Cincinnati 311

Shopping and complaints:

PUCO consumer services: 1-800-686-7826
Apples to Apples: energychoice.ohio.gov

Assistance programs:

📞 PIPP Plus: 1-800-282-0880
📞 Cincinnati Energy Office: 311

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current electricity rate in Cincinnati?

Duke Energy Ohio Price to Compare for Cincinnati residential customers is 10.2 cents per kWh as of December 2025. The Cincinnati Electric Aggregation Program rate is 10.73 cents per kWh for 100% renewable energy. Total electricity costs including delivery charges typically range from 14-16 cents per kWh. The lowest competitive supplier rates are around 6.69 cents per kWh for generation supply only.

What is the Cincinnati Electric Aggregation Program?

The Cincinnati Electric Aggregation Program is a citywide municipal aggregation launched in 2012 as the nation first large-city 100% green energy aggregation. The program automatically enrolls eligible Cincinnati residents in a renewable electricity plan through Dynegy at 10.73 cents per kWh. Residents saved $5.88 million in 2022 compared to Duke Energy rates. Opt-out is free anytime with no cancellation fees.

Why did Duke Energy Ohio rates increase in 2025?

Duke Energy Ohio Price to Compare increased from approximately 8.02 cents per kWh to 10.445 cents per kWh in June 2025, roughly a 30% increase. PUCO approved the new Standard Service Offer rates reflecting higher wholesale electricity market costs. Duke Energy estimated the increase added approximately $8 per month to average residential bills using 1,000 kWh monthly.

Should I stay in Cincinnati aggregation or shop for lower rates?

This depends on your priorities. Cincinnati aggregation at 10.73 cents per kWh provides 100% renewable energy, rate stability, and no cancellation fees. Competitive suppliers offer rates as low as 6.69 cents per kWh but may include termination fees and lack renewable energy. If price is your priority, compare suppliers through PUCO Apples to Apples. For environmental benefits and simplicity, aggregation is a strong choice.

How do I report a power outage in Cincinnati?

Report Duke Energy outages in Cincinnati by calling 1-800-543-5599 or through the Duke Energy mobile app. View the online outage map at duke-energy.com for current outages and estimated restoration times. Duke Energy handles all outage response regardless of your electricity supplier. Sign up for outage alerts to receive automated updates about outages affecting your address.

What assistance programs are available for Cincinnati electricity customers?

Low-income Cincinnati residents may qualify for PIPP Plus, Ohio percentage of income payment plan keeping bills affordable based on income. Apply through the Ohio Development Services Agency at 1-800-282-0880. Duke Energy offers budget billing to spread costs evenly. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides winter heating assistance. Contact Duke Energy at 1-800-543-5599 or Cincinnati 311 for program information.

About the author

Enri Zhulati

Consumer Advocate

Enri has spent years helping Texans navigate the deregulated electricity market at ComparePower. He knows what confuses people about energy shopping and what actually helps them save. At ElectricRates.org, he brings that same expertise to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

Electricity deregulationOhio Energy ChoicePennsylvania Power SwitchMassachusetts competitive suppliersPUCO regulations

Topics covered

Cincinnati electricity Duke Energy Ohio Cincinnati aggregation Ohio energy choice electricity rates Cincinnati Duke Energy price to compare Cincinnati electric rates 2025

Sources & References

Duke Energy Ohio - Rates & Tariffs (Duke Energy Ohio): "Duke Energy Ohio publishes Price to Compare rates for residential customers"Accessed Jan 2025
City of Cincinnati - Office of Environment and Sustainability (City of Cincinnati): "Cincinnati Electric Aggregation Program provides 100% renewable energy municipal aggregation"Accessed Jan 2025

Last updated: December 10, 2025