FirstEnergy Ohio Complete Guide to Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison and Cleveland Illuminating Rates

FirstEnergy Corp. operates three electric distribution utilities serving approximately 2 million customers across northern and central Ohio. The three FirstEnergy Ohio utilities:

• Ohio Edison
• Toledo Edison
• The Illuminating Company

These utilities deliver electricity through local distribution networks but do not generate power for residential customers. FirstEnergy purchases electricity on the wholesale market through regulated auctions. All three utilities operate under PUCO oversight and participate in Ohio Energy Choice, allowing customers to select competitive suppliers while FirstEnergy handles delivery, billing, and emergency response.

Each FirstEnergy utility serves distinct regions of Ohio. Service territory breakdown:

• Ohio Edison (~1 million customers): Northeast/central Ohio—Akron, Youngstown, Warren, Canton, Mansfield
• The Illuminating Company (~750,000 customers): Greater Cleveland, Lake County, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Ashtabula, Geauga counties
• Toledo Edison (~310,000 customers): Northwest Ohio—Toledo, Sandusky, Fremont, Lucas, Wood, Ottawa, Erie counties

Your utility assignment depends on your physical address within these territories.

FirstEnergy Price to Compare rates vary by utility and change twice yearly. Current residential rates (June 2025):

• Ohio Edison: ~9.5¢/kWh (up 28% from 7.43¢)
• The Illuminating Company: ~9.11¢/kWh (up 27% from 7.19¢)
• Toledo Edison: ~9.52¢/kWh

These significant increases reflect wholesale electricity market conditions, particularly rising capacity costs in the PJM regional grid. Important: When comparing suppliers, ensure their rates fall below your specific utility's Price to Compare for actual savings. Delivery charges add approximately 4-6¢/kWh and remain unchanged regardless of supplier.

FirstEnergy customers experienced rate increases of 27-29% in 2025—approximately $14-16 more per month for typical households using 1,000 kWh. Primary driver: The PJM capacity market auction, which sets prices for ensuring adequate power plant availability. What caused the spike:

• Capacity auction prices jumped from ~$29 to ~$270 per megawatt-day (833% increase)
• Power plant retirements outpacing new generation
• Growing data center electricity demand
• Transmission constraints across the grid

FirstEnergy passes these wholesale costs directly to customers. The Ohio Consumers' Counsel monitors increases but cannot control wholesale market outcomes.

Ohio Energy Choice allows FirstEnergy customers to purchase electricity from Certified Retail Electric Service (CRES) providers while FirstEnergy continues delivering power. How to switch suppliers:

1. Identify your current Price to Compare on your bill or at FirstEnergyCorp.com
2. Compare offers using PUCO Apples to Apples or ElectricRates.org
3. Contact your chosen supplier to enroll

Key benefits:

• FirstEnergy customers save an average of $521* per year
• Switching takes ~30 days with no service interruption
• No switching fees from FirstEnergy
• Return to standard service anytime without penalty

Your delivery service, emergency response, and billing remain unchanged—only the generation portion changes.

FirstEnergy bills separate charges into generation (supply) and distribution (delivery) components. Bill components:

• Generation charges: Electricity supply—FirstEnergy's Price to Compare or your supplier's rate
• Bypassable charges: What competitive suppliers can replace
• Distribution charges: Power lines, transformers, substations, grid maintenance (stays with FirstEnergy)
• Customer charge: Fixed monthly fee
• Riders: Energy efficiency, renewable energy compliance, grid modernization

Your bill shows usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and displays your specific Price to Compare for easy supplier comparison.

Many communities in FirstEnergy's Ohio territory offer municipal aggregation programs that negotiate bulk electricity rates for residents. How aggregation works:

• Government-sponsored programs negotiate bulk rates
• May provide rates below both Price to Compare and individual supplier offers
• Eligible residents automatically enrolled
• You can opt out to choose your own supplier or return to FirstEnergy

Active aggregation areas: Northeast Ohio has numerous communities participating, including several in Cuyahoga County, Summit County, and surrounding areas. Check with your local government to see if your community participates. Aggregation simplifies energy choice by handling supplier selection collectively.

FirstEnergy handles all power outages regardless of your electricity supplier choice. How to report outages:

• Online: FirstEnergyCorp.com
• Mobile app: FirstEnergy app
• Phone: 1-888-544-4877 (all three Ohio utilities)

The outage map displays affected areas with estimated restoration times. Reliability investments:

• Vegetation management programs
• Equipment upgrades
• Storm hardening
• Mutual aid crews coordinated across FirstEnergy's multi-state system

Your supplier choice never affects outage response—FirstEnergy crews respond equally to all customers.

FirstEnergy offers programs for customers struggling with bills. Assistance programs:

• PIPP Plus: Caps bills at 6% of household income for qualifying low-income customers
• HEAP: One-time bill payment assistance through Ohio Development Services Agency
• Neighbor to Neighbor: Donation-funded emergency assistance
• Budget Billing: Spreads annual costs into equal monthly payments

Additional options:

• Payment extensions and installment plans available through customer service
• Winter reconnect order: Protects from disconnection during extreme cold
• Medical certificates: Protection for customers with qualifying health conditions

Beyond switching suppliers, FirstEnergy customers can reduce bills through efficiency programs. FirstEnergy efficiency programs:

• Home energy audits
• Rebates on efficient appliances
• Weatherization assistance for qualifying customers

DIY savings tips:

• Smart thermostats: Reduce heating/cooling costs by 10-15%
• LED lighting: Uses 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs
• Seal air leaks: Around windows and doors (especially in older homes)

Shopping tips:

• Check if your municipality offers aggregation with competitive rates
• Compare suppliers using PUCO Apples to Apples when rates change (June and December)
• Fixed-rate contracts protect against future wholesale market increases