Updated with EIA data for August 2026
In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Ohio was 19.38¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 7% higher than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Ohio the 17th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 10.4% from August 2025 (17.55¢).
| Year | Avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Avg monthly use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (8 mo) | 18.81¢ | $170 | 903 kWh |
| 2025 | 16.90¢ | $148 | 874 kWh |
| 2024 | 15.99¢ | $135 | 846 kWh |
| 2023 | 15.38¢ | $125 | 811 kWh |
| 2022 | 13.85¢ | $121 | 874 kWh |
| 2021 | 12.77¢ | $112 | 879 kWh |
| 2020 | 12.29¢ | $107 | 873 kWh |
| 2019 | 12.38¢ | $108 | 874 kWh |
| 2018 | 12.56¢ | $115 | 914 kWh |
| 2017 | 12.63¢ | $106 | 841 kWh |
Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.
| Sector | Rate | A year earlier |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 19.38¢ | 17.55¢ |
| Commercial | 12.31¢ | 11.42¢ |
| Industrial | 9.75¢ | 8.47¢ |
| Transportation | 11.82¢ | 11.22¢ |
| All sectors | 13.93¢ | 12.67¢ |
At Ohio's 12-month average residential rate of 18.41¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.
| Monthly use | Ohio | US average |
|---|---|---|
| 250 kWh | $46.03 | $45.40 |
| 500 kWh | $92.05 | $90.80 |
| 750 kWh | $138.08 | $136.20 |
| 1,000 kWh | $184.10 | $181.60 |
| 1,500 kWh | $276.15 | $272.40 |
| 2,000 kWh | $368.20 | $363.20 |
Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 17.25¢ (December 2025) to 19.52¢ (May 2026), and homes used the most electricity in July 2026 (1,151 kWh on average).
| Month | Avg rate | Avg bill | Avg use |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | 19.38¢ | $199 | 1,029 kWh |
| July 2026 | 19.45¢ | $224 | 1,151 kWh |
| June 2026 | 19.19¢ | $167 | 869 kWh |
| May 2026 | 19.52¢ | $132 | 675 kWh |
| April 2026 | 19.49¢ | $125 | 642 kWh |
| March 2026 | 18.78¢ | $144 | 765 kWh |
| February 2026 | 17.61¢ | $173 | 980 kWh |
| January 2026 | 17.59¢ | $195 | 1,110 kWh |
| December 2025 | 17.25¢ | $171 | 992 kWh |
| November 2025 | 17.61¢ | $135 | 764 kWh |
| October 2025 | 17.77¢ | $115 | 648 kWh |
| September 2025 | 17.53¢ | $131 | 749 kWh |
Ohio's 12-month average rate is higher than 3 of its 5 neighbors.
| State | 12-mo avg rate | Avg monthly bill | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 18.41¢ | $159 | #18 |
| Indiana | 16.90¢ | $157 | #21 |
| Kentucky | 13.94¢ | $154 | #41 |
| Michigan | 21.28¢ | $134 | #13 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.86¢ | $174 | #15 |
| West Virginia | 15.53¢ | $164 | #29 |
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 750–1,500 W | $0.14–$0.28 |
| Refrigerator | 725 W | $0.13 |
| Clothes dryer | 1,800–5,000 W | $0.33–$0.92 |
| Washing machine | 350–500 W | $0.06–$0.09 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200–2,400 W | $0.22–$0.44 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500–5,500 W | $0.83–$1.01 |
| Microwave | 750–1,100 W | $0.14–$0.20 |
| Window fan | 55–250 W | $0.01–$0.05 |
All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Ohio
Ohio has retail electricity choice: in many areas, households can buy their electricity supply from a competitive retail provider instead of the utility's default rate. Your local utility still delivers the power and handles outages. Availability depends on your utility area. Compare the plan rate, contract length, fees and any cancellation charge before you switch.
Each kW of solar panels in Columbus produces about 1,296 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Ohio home, a 8.4 kW system would cost about $21,588 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 11.3 years. See the full Ohio solar estimate.
Switching ProvidersUse your Price to Compare and the PUCO's Apples to Apples chart to shop Ohio electric suppliers, then use your seven-day window to confirm the switch.
Switching ProvidersFixed plans lock your supply price per kWh for a term; variable plans can change monthly. Here is how each works, state rules, and how to choose.
Saving EnergyPractical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.
SolarThe 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.
The average residential electricity rate in Ohio was 19.38¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 18.41¢ per kWh.
The average residential customer in Ohio paid $199 for 1,029 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.
In August 2026, Ohio's average rate of 19.38¢ was 7% higher than the US average of 18.16¢.
Yes, Ohio has retail electricity choice, so many households can buy supply from a competitive provider. Your utility still delivers the power.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.