Electricity Market Structure
Electric choice and competition began in Ohio with passage of Senate Bill 3 into law in 1999. The program opened to customers in January 2001 with the beginning of a five-year market development period. Since the program began, nearly 170 cities, counties, and townships have formed government aggregations to purchase discounted power on behalf of their citizens for residential use.
Rate structures in Ohio vary by utility but most are currently set via the utilities' rate stabilization plans. One exception is First Energy, which is scheduled to move to a more market-based rate structure in early 2006. Generally speaking the backstop rates in Ohio change annually. Rates vary by customer and rate class.
About Switching in Ohio
As a retail electricity provider in Ohio, Constellation NewEnergy is certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. To be eligible to switch to our services, your company must be located in one or more of these utilities' service territories:
- Cincinnati Gas & Electric (CG&E)
Depending upon your current electric service an interval meter and phone line may be needed to switch. Businesses under 100 kilowatts (kW) do not require interval meters or phone lines. If your business is more than 100 kW, an upgrade to your existing meter may be required. Your local utility is responsible for supplying and installing the new meter and phone line.
To switch, you will execute a retailElectricity Supply Agreement with Constellation NewEnergy. This agreement states the specific product and price you will pay for electric service and the duration of the agreement. Along with the agreement, you will also sign a waiver stating you are switching to an alternative electricity supplier. Constellation NewEnergy will send this waiver to your utility notifying them of your intent to switch. Customers are generally switched to a competitive supplier on their next meter read/cycle date.
 Ohio Environmental Disclosure Information (PDF)
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Why Switch?