Ohio is home to a deregulated energy market, meaning that customers have the option to shop for their own natural gas supplier. While this may seem like a new concept to many, the reality is that it has been available for years now. In fact, it was in 1997 that the state first took its initial step toward energy deregulation, when the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) began to unbundle natural gas delivery charges from the cost of the actual gas itself. This allowed customers to compare the rates and plans offered by different suppliers and make a choice that best suits their needs.

Currently, the state of Ohio has over 1,200 trillion BTUs of apples to apples gas in storage, and it produces more than its consumption each year. However, a number of factors are pushing up natural gas prices this winter. Crude oil prices are higher than usual, and the demand for natural gas is growing faster than the supply. This combination is creating a supply shortage that has increased the price of natural gas in Ohio and across the country.

While this is certainly one reason that gas prices are rising, there are other reasons as well, and these include the ongoing costs to transport it, along with the increasing demand from residential and commercial customers. As a result, it is important to take steps to reduce your own usage in order to help lower your natural gas bills. This can be accomplished through a variety of methods, including installing insulation, upgrading heating systems and using appliances that are more efficient.

Another way to save on your natural gas bill is to choose a plan that offers competitive natural gas rates and contract terms. By entering your zip code into our comparison tool, you can easily find a range of options that fit your budget and your lifestyle. You can also use our helpful filters to narrow down your search so you can find the best ohio gas rates for you.

It is important to remember that, no matter which natural gas supplier you select, your local utility company will still be responsible for delivering natural gas, responding to service and emergency requests, reading your meter and providing customer service and billing. Before making your final decision, you should identify the supplier that is approved to sell in your area and review the rate plan details. In addition, you should be aware of any fees that may be associated with switching to a new supplier.