Columbus Ohio Electricity Rates Complete Guide to AEP Ohio Service, Energy Choice, and Savings

Columbus, Ohio residents have access to electricity choice through the state's deregulated energy market, with most of the city served by AEP Ohio. Columbus electricity snapshot:

• Population: Over 900,000 residents (Ohio's largest city)
• Average monthly usage: 892 kWh
• Average electric bill: ~$139.50 (supply + delivery)

Your electricity options:

• AEP Ohio default service – Current Price to Compare rate
• Competitive suppliers – Fixed and variable rate plans
• Clean Energy Columbus – Municipal aggregation with 100% renewable energy

💡 Understanding your options helps maximize savings on electricity costs in central Ohio.

AEP Ohio operates as the primary electric distribution utility serving Columbus and central Ohio through the Columbus Southern Power service territory. Identify your rate zone: Check your Service Delivery Identifier on your AEP Ohio bill:

• Starts with 0004 – Columbus Southern Power zone (Columbus metro area)
• Starts with 0014 – Ohio Power zone (other AEP territories)

✅ Good news: Both zones now share identical residential rates for delivery and Price to Compare supply charges. What AEP Ohio handles (regardless of supplier):

• Distribution infrastructure
• Outage response
• Meter reading

AEP Ohio delivers power to approximately 1.5 million customers across Ohio, with Columbus representing the largest concentration.

AEP Ohio Price to Compare for Columbus residential customers is currently 9.80¢/kWh effective October 1 – December 31, 2025. Rate breakdown:

• Supply charge: 9.80¢/kWh (Price to Compare)
• Distribution charges: ~$83-90/month average
• Updates: Quarterly based on wholesale auctions

How to find savings:

• Compare supplier rates against the 9.80¢ benchmark
• Rates below Price to Compare = immediate savings on generation
• AEP Ohio delivery charges remain constant regardless of supplier

💡 Focus on supply rate when comparing—that's where savings happen.

Clean Energy Columbus is the city's municipal aggregation program providing 100% renewable electricity at competitive rates. How it works:

• Opt-out program – Eligible residents automatically enrolled
• You can opt out anytime to choose a different supplier
• Administered by AEP Energy, overseen by City of Columbus

Current rates:

• December 2025 – June 2026: 9.08¢/kWh (100% renewable)
• Compare to AEP Ohio Price to Compare: 9.80¢/kWh

Rate history:

• June 2024 – May 2025: 6.612¢/kWh

💡 Best for: Residents wanting green energy without extensive comparison shopping—hassle-free renewable option.

Columbus residents served by AEP Ohio can compare competitive suppliers through PUCO Apples to Apples at energychoice.ohio.gov. Plan types available:

• Fixed-rate plans: Lock price for 6-36 months
• Variable-rate plans: Adjust monthly, usually no ETF
• Green energy plans: Renewable power or RECs

What to check when comparing:

• Rate vs. 9.80¢/kWh Price to Compare
• Contract length and early termination fees
• Whether rate includes all charges or has extra monthly fees

Consumer protections:

• Suppliers cannot charge more than disclosed rates
• PUCO enforces protections for all Ohio electricity customers

A small portion of Columbus is served by the City of Columbus Division of Power, a municipal electric utility, rather than AEP Ohio. ⚠️ Important distinction:

• Columbus City Power customers cannot participate in Ohio electricity choice
• Municipal utilities operate outside the deregulated market
• Rates set by the city, not market competition

How to check your utility: Look at your electric bill header for:

• "City of Columbus" = Columbus Division of Power (no choice)
• "AEP Ohio" = Eligible for supplier shopping

Columbus Division of Power stats:

• Serves approximately 12,000 customers
• Primarily older neighborhoods near downtown
• Contact: 614-645-8276

💡 Note: Most Columbus residents are AEP Ohio customers with full access to competitive shopping.

Columbus AEP Ohio electric bills separate charges into supply and distribution components. Bill components explained:

• Supply charges: Electricity generation (Price to Compare or supplier rate)
• Distribution charges: AEP Ohio infrastructure (~$83-90/month typical)
• Customer charge: Fixed monthly fee regardless of usage
• Transmission charges: Moving power from plants to local grid

What your bill shows:

• Total kWh consumed and daily averages
• Usage comparisons (vs. previous periods)
• Price to Compare for evaluating supplier alternatives

Clean Energy Columbus customers: Bills show AEP Energy as supplier with program rate. 💡 Key insight: Supplier shopping reduces supply charges; efficiency improvements reduce distribution impact.

Columbus residents can reduce electricity costs through multiple approaches. Supply cost strategies:

• Compare supplier offers against 9.80¢/kWh Price to Compare
• Consider Clean Energy Columbus – competitive rates, 100% renewable, no shopping hassle
• Lock in fixed rates when prices are favorable

Efficiency improvements:

• LED lighting
• Smart thermostats
• Weatherization
• Run major appliances during off-peak hours

AEP Ohio programs:

• Rebates on efficient appliances
• Home energy audits
• Budget billing – spread annual costs evenly

Assistance programs:

• PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) for qualifying low-income residents

AEP Ohio handles all power outages throughout Columbus—regardless of your electricity supplier. How to report outages:

• 📞 Call: 1-800-672-2231
• 📱 AEP Ohio mobile app
• 💻 Online outage map: aepohio.com/outages

Common outage causes in Columbus:

• Thunderstorms
• Ice storms
• High winds (especially in tree-heavy neighborhoods)

Reliability investments:

• Smart grid technology
• Enhanced vegetation management

🚨 Emergency: For downed power lines, call immediately and stay away from the hazard. 💡 Pro tip: Sign up for AEP Ohio outage alerts to receive text, email, or phone notifications about outages affecting your address.

Columbus residents have multiple resources for managing electricity costs and resolving service issues. AEP Ohio:

• 📞 Customer service: 1-800-672-2231
• 💻 Outages and account: aepohio.com
• Efficiency programs: aepohio.com/save

Clean Energy Columbus:

• 💻 cleanenergycolumbus.org
• 📞 City of Columbus: 311

Supplier comparison:

• PUCO Apples to Apples: energychoice.ohio.gov

Consumer assistance:

• PUCO complaints: 1-800-686-7826 | puco.ohio.gov
• Ohio Consumers' Counsel: 1-877-742-5622 (free help)
• HEAP energy assistance: Community Action Agency (Franklin County)