What is the Price to Compare on my Ohio electric bill?

If you have ever looked at your electric bill and seen the words Price to Compare, you are not alone in wondering what it means. It is one of the most useful numbers on the bill. Let me explain it in plain words.

It is the price to beat

In Ohio, you can buy the electricity itself from a different company. That company sets the price for the power you use. Your power company still brings it to your home.

The Price to Compare is your power company's own price for that part of the bill. It is a price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). A kWh is one unit of electricity. Your bill shows how many you used.

So if another company offers you a price that is lower than your Price to Compare, you would pay less for that part of your bill. If their price is higher, you would pay more.

What it covers, and what it doesn't

Your bill has two main parts:

• The electricity itself. This is the part the Price to Compare covers. Another company can take over this part.
• Delivery. This pays for the wires, poles and meter. It stays with your power company no matter who sets your electricity price.

That is why switching can lower your bill, but it will never make the delivery part go away.

Where to find it on your bill

Your power company's bill has to show your Price to Compare. Here is where to look:

• Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison: look in the messages area on the first page of your bill.
• AEP Ohio: look below the total amount due.
• Duke Energy Ohio: Duke has a calculator on its website that works out your own Price to Compare.

Bills change their layout from time to time. If you can't find it, call the number on your bill and ask, "What is my Price to Compare?"

Why it changes

The Price to Compare is not set for good. It can change a few times a year. Some companies can change it up to five times a year, and the big changes usually come in June.

For example, from July 1 to September 30, 2026, the Price to Compare for homes was:

• Ohio Edison: 10.92 cents per kWh
• The Illuminating Company: 11.16 cents per kWh
• Toledo Edison: 11.10 cents per kWh

Because it moves, it helps to look at a few recent bills, not just one.

How I use it

When I check your bill, I start with your Price to Compare. Then I look at every offer the State of Ohio lists for your area. I only tell you to switch if you would save at least $3 a month. If nothing beats your price by enough, I tell you to keep what you have.

You can see the state's list yourself at energychoice.ohio.gov (opens a new tab). And if you have questions, the Help page has more plain answers.