What Ohio Electricity Customers Should Know About the New Rate Notice Law

Learn more about how Governor DeWine’s new HB15 energy rules protect Ohio households with mandatory rate change notifications.  

Why Did Ohio Update Its Retail Energy Market Rules?

Ohio passed a new energy law to protect households and small businesses by providing advance notice of energy rate changes. The HB15 bill requires that retail energy suppliers take greater accountability for cost transparency by alerting customers when their introductory fixed rate will transition to variable energy rates. The law helps prevent price gouging by holding Ohio electricity suppliers accountable for rate transparency.

Get Notified Before Your Ohio Electricity Rates Change

Signed into law by Governor DeWine in May 2025, Ohio House Bill 15 (HB15) gives households and small businesses more visibility into when their energy rates may change. If your fixed-rate electricity or natural gas plan is set to transition to a variable energy rate, you’ll now receive two advance notices before the switch. If you choose to remain on their variable rate plan, you’ll also get yearly reminders, so you’re never left guessing. This new energy law offers a new level of cost transparency – putting the power back in your hands.  

Two Advance Variable Energy Rate Change Notices

Retail energy suppliers are now required to provide two advanced alerts about energy rate changes in your plan.

• First Notice: 60-90 Days before your fixed rate period ends.

• Second Notice: 15-45 Days before your rate type transitions.

Annual Reminder If You Stay on a Variable Rate Plan

If you choose to stay on your supplier’s variable-rate plan, you’ll also receive an annual reminder.  

This yearly notice will remind residential and small business customers that they are subject to variable rates until they choose a new plan or provider.

Ohio’s Standard Utility Rate Plans Are Changing Too

Ohio’s new energy laws are also changing how local utilities determine their default energy rates, also called their standard service offer (SSO). Previously, Ohio utilities, like AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, or FirstEnergy, could choose their pricing methodology based on state-approved formulas. However, with HB15, Ohio utilities must now use competitive auctions to set their SSO prices.

This transition will be essentially unnoticeable to most residential and small business customers in Ohio, but it’s another move towards greater cost transparency. By replacing regulatory formulas with market auctions, the state is making default electricity rates more straightforward and easier to understand.

What Do Ohio’s New Energy Rules Mean for Small Businesses?

Ohio’s new energy market rules apply to both residential and small commercial customers. This means that businesses whose demand did not exceed 25 KW in a year will have the same consumer protections as residential customers. These new protections help level the playing field for small businesses that may not have time to navigate complex contracts.

Ohio’s new small business customer protections include:

Clearer contract terms

Small business energy contracts must be written in plain language, outlining pricing, contract length, cancellation fees, and renewal terms.

Upfront rate disclosures and advance notices

Suppliers must clearly state whether rates are fixed or variable and alert customers before any rate changes.

Stricter marketing rules

Door-to-door and telemarketing sales are now held to much higher standards, eliminating misleading sales tactics and requiring accurate pricing.

How Is Ohio Cracking Down on Unreliable Energy Suppliers?

Ohio’s updated energy market regulations introduce stricter certification standards for retail energy suppliers. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) will begin to monitor electricity and gas suppliers more closely than ever before. To remain certified in Ohio, suppliers must now prove both financial stability and the ability to serve customers reliably. These updates give PUCO more authority to protect customers from scams or sudden supplier exits that could leave them without service.

Switching Ohio Electricity Plans Is Now Easier Than Ever!

Ohio’s latest energy rules make it even easier to shop for and switch electricity plans. Residential and small business owners can now authorize a switch using just their state-issued ID – no need to keep track of lengthy utility account numbers!

If your plan includes a promotional fixed rate, you’ll now receive two advance notices before it transitions to a variable energy rate. These notices also include your specific transition date, giving you the perfect opportunity to shop for a new plan. With up to 90 days’ notice, you’ll have plenty of time to find the right plan for your home or business.

What Ohio Electricity Customers Should Do Right Now

If you’re currently enrolled in a fixed-rate electricity or natural gas plan in Ohio, don’t ignore your mailbox or email. Pay special attention to your inbox, especially as your contract nears its end. Thanks to Ohio’s new HB15 law, you’ll receive two advance notices before your rates change. Use the first notice as a reminder to start comparing energy plans on the market.

Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, comparing energy rates early gives you a better chance of lowering your monthly bills. Switching Ohio energy plans is quick and easy, so don’t wait until your rates change to start exploring your energy options.  

Your Ohio Energy Plan Checklist

Want to make the most of Ohio’s new energy laws? Start here:  

Watch for notices

from your utility or supplier about upcoming rate changes.

Check your current plan

to see if you’re on a fixed or variable rate.

Compare available plans

before your fixed rates expire.

Switch plans easily online

through Price to Compare’s online marketplace.

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