Cincinnati Ohio Electricity: Duke Energy Rates & Suppliers

If you live in Cincinnati, Duke Energy sends you your electric bill. That part doesn't change.

What you might not know: you can choose who generates your electricity. Duke still delivers it either way. They serve about 900,000 customers across Hamilton, Butler, and Warren counties.

Your three options: Do nothing and stay on Duke's default rate (currently 10.2¢/kWh). Join Cincinnati's city program—you're probably already enrolled in 100% renewable energy. Or shop yourself through Apples to Apples and find your own supplier.

Ohio deregulated electricity back in 1999. Cincinnati took it a step further in 2012 with something pretty cool.

Duke Energy's Price to Compare for residential customers is 10.2¢/kWh right now (December 2025).

This is the benchmark. Any supplier offering less than 10.2¢ saves you money. Anyone charging more... well, there better be a good reason.

What happened in 2025: Rates jumped about 30% in June. They went from around 8¢ to over 10¢. For a house using 1,000 kWh, that's roughly $8 more per month.

Why? PUCO approved higher wholesale costs. Not much you can do about it except shop around or reduce usage.

The Price to Compare shows up on your bill. Look for it - it's your reference point for whether any deal is a deal.

Here's the cool thing about Cincinnati: the city runs one of the country's first 100% green energy programs for an entire major city.

The basics: Back in 2011, voters approved a municipal aggregation program with nearly 60% support. It launched in 2012.

If you're a Cincinnati resident, you're probably already in it. They enroll eligible customers automatically.

Current deal (through May 2026): The rate is 10.73¢/kWh, fixed. Dynegy supplies it. The energy is 100% renewable, including 15% local Ohio solar added in May 2024.

Why it's good: You can leave anytime with zero cancellation fees. That's rare. The city negotiated a fixed rate, so you won't get surprised by spikes. And residents saved $5.88 million collectively in 2022.

Yes, it's slightly more expensive than Duke's default (10.73¢ vs 10.2¢). But you're getting 100% renewable energy and rate stability. That half-cent difference is about $5/month for the average home.

Let me be direct about your options:

Duke Energy default at 10.2¢/kWh is the standard rate, nothing special. Not renewable unless you add that separately. The rate can change when PUCO approves new wholesale prices.

Cincinnati Aggregation at 10.73¢/kWh gets you 100% renewable energy. It's fixed through May 2026. You can leave anytime with no fees. Costs about $5/month more than Duke.

Competitive suppliers go as low as 6.69¢/kWh. That's 42% less than Duke's rate and could save $30-40/month. But read the fine print on termination fees, variable rates, and auto-renewal.

My take: If saving every dollar matters most, shop Apples to Apples. If you want set-it-and-forget-it plus renewable, the city program is solid. Either way, don't just stay on Duke's default without looking.

A common confusion: even if you switch suppliers, part of your bill stays exactly the same.

Delivery charges go to Duke Energy no matter what. They're paying for the wires, transformers, and crews that keep your lights on. That doesn't change when you switch who generates the electricity.

Delivery adds about 4-5¢/kWh on top of your supply rate. So if you're paying 10¢ for supply, your total is really 14-15¢.

What's in delivery: A fixed monthly customer charge, distribution charges per kWh, transmission charges for moving power through the regional grid, and various "riders" for efficiency programs and grid maintenance.

You can't avoid these. They're regulated by PUCO. Just factor them in when comparing total costs.

Cincinnati has pretty good options if you care about renewable energy.

Easiest option: Stay in the city aggregation. It's 100% renewable, and since May 2024, 15% comes from local Ohio solar farms. You don't have to do anything.

If you want to shop: Some competitive suppliers offer renewable plans. Check what percentage is renewable and whether it's backed by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from local sources or from somewhere across the country.

Duke's option: They have a "Renewable Connections" program if you want to support solar development. It costs extra.

Reality check: Most "green" electricity claims are backed by RECs - a certificate saying renewable energy was generated somewhere. The city aggregation is more transparent about where the energy comes from. For maximum local impact, the aggregation's local solar component is probably your best bet.

With rates up 30% in 2025, here's what moves the needle:

Switch suppliers. Rates on Apples to Apples go as low as 6.69¢/kWh. That could save $30-40/month compared to Duke's default. Just watch for termination fees and variable rate traps.

Use Duke's rebates. They offer money back on efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and weatherization. The Home Energy House Call is a free assessment where someone comes to your house.

Budget billing. Doesn't save money, but spreads costs evenly across 12 months so winter bills don't wreck you.

If you're struggling: PIPP Plus is Ohio's program for low-income households. You pay a percentage of income rather than full bills. Call 1-800-282-0880.

Duke Energy handles outages no matter who supplies your electricity. Call them, not your supplier.

Report outages: Call 1-800-543-5599, use the Duke Energy app (surprisingly useful), or check their outage map at duke-energy.com.

Cincinnati's usual suspects: Summer thunderstorms are the big one. Also ice storms in winter, high winds anytime, and the occasional tornado.

Pro tip: Sign up for outage alerts. Duke will text or email you updates so you're not constantly refreshing their website wondering when power's coming back.

See a downed power line? Don't touch it, don't go near it, call Duke immediately.

Your Duke Energy bill splits into two parts:

Supply (this part changes based on your choice): Duke default is 10.2¢/kWh. City aggregation runs 10.73¢/kWh. Other suppliers charge whatever you signed up for.

Delivery (same for everyone): This includes the customer charge (flat monthly fee), distribution and transmission charges, and various riders.

Total: Most Cincinnati households pay 14-16¢/kWh when you add everything up.

Even if you switch suppliers, Duke still sends the bill. Your supplier's charges just show up on it.

Duke Energy: 1-800-543-5599 for customer service and outages. Website at duke-energy.com.

Cincinnati Aggregation questions: Call Cincinnati 311 or visit cincinnati-oh.gov/oes.

Supplier shopping and complaints: PUCO at 1-800-686-7826. Apples to Apples at energychoice.ohio.gov.

Payment help: PIPP Plus at 1-800-282-0880. For HEAP heating assistance, ask Duke or call 311.