How Ohio Families Can Protect Their Budget from Rising Energy Costs

Every month, Ohio families feel the impact of rising household expenses. While we can't control inflation, we can take steps to manage some of our recurring costs. 

One often-overlooked opportunity is your electric and natural gas supply service. 

Many Ohio consumers don't realize they may be able to choose their electricity and natural gas supplier through Ohio's Energy Choice program. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio provides a free comparison tool called Apples to Apples that allows consumers to compare supplier offers, rates, and contract terms.

What Is Apples to Apples?

The Apples to Apples website provides side-by-side comparisons of electric and natural gas supplier offers available in your area. The comparison charts display current offers from certified suppliers and help consumers compare options on an equal basis.

The tool can help you review: 

• Current supplier rates

  
  

• Contract lengths

  
  

• Pricing structures

  
  

• Electric and natural gas options available in your service area

  
  

What to Look For

When comparing offers, I generally recommend looking for four important features: 

• A fixed rate

  
  

• A contract term of at least 12 months

  
  

• No monthly service fee

  
  

• No early termination penalty

  
  

The Apples to Apples website allows you to use these features as search filters, making it easier to narrow your choices and focus on the offers that fit your needs. 

These features can help provide greater stability and flexibility while avoiding unnecessary costs. Of course, they should always be considered alongside the actual price being offered.

A good contract is only a good deal if the rate is competitive with current market offerings. 

The goal isn't simply to switch suppliers. The goal is to find a combination of competitive pricing, predictable costs, and consumer-friendly terms. 

It Only Takes a Few Minutes

I keep copies of my utility bills nearby when I shop because they contain information needed to identify my current service and utility provider. 

Using the Apples to Apples filters, I can now review available offers and change providers in less than ten minutes. 

That's a small investment of time if it results in lower monthly utility costs. 

A Few Minutes Could Save You Money

If you've never reviewed your energy supplier options, now may be a good time to do so. 

You can compare available offers using Ohio's Apples to Apples website through the Ohio Energy Choice program. The site allows consumers to review current supplier offers and contract information before making a decision.

Protecting your budget isn't always about earning more. Sometimes it's simply about spending less on the things you already use every day. A few minutes spent comparing energy options today could help improve your household budget for months to come. 

Questions?

Send me an email at Fred@SeriousMoneyOhio.com with any questions you may have.

Be sure to include your phone number, and I'll be happy to give you a call.