Ohio is one of 16 states in the U.S. with a deregulated energy market, and several suppliers provide power to the state. With many suppliers in one area, consumers get to choose which company to work with. Your supplier determines the rate you pay for electricity supply.

In Akron, Ohio Edison is your utility. They distribute the power your supplier provides and maintain your powerlines as long as you live in their service area. If you don’t have a separate supplier, Ohio Edison provides a Price to Compare (PTC), that changes throughout the year. When you compare supplier rates, this baseline can help you determine which prices are reasonable at that point in time.

If you’re ready to find a new supplier, you should find out when your current contract ends to avoid cancellation fees. When you commit to a new contract, you’ll choose a fixed, variable or block and index rate.

Fixed rates are consistent during your agreement, and variable rates fluctuate as the market changes. A block and index rate uses a fixed price up to a certain amount of usage. Beyond that point, the rate is variable.