The Drawbacks of Ohio PUCO’s Apples to Apples Comparison Tool
Ohio is one of the states with energy choice programs that allow customers to choose their electricity supplier. However, the PUCO Apples to Apples website could do a better job of helping consumers find the best rates or plan options available. The site is confusing, has no form, and shows plans higgledy-piggledy. It leaves shoppers slogging through providers, checking ratings and reviews, and hunting down the best deals.
It Doesn’t Include Commercial Rates
Ohio PUCO regulates utility service providers to ensure prices are fair and reasonable. They also help maintain quality service, protect customer rights, and support a healthy competitive market. PUCO regulations impact every household and business that uses electricity, natural gas, telephone, water and wastewater services, and more.
Ohio Puco Apples to Apples comparison tool allows energy consumers in the state to find information about rates offered by suppliers. However, it is a mixed bag. The site includes offers from a wide range of providers – some with excellent reputations for customer service, others with terrible reputations, and others that are unimportant.
Since energy market deregulation, millions of Ohio residents have switched their electricity and natural gas suppliers to save money with better prices and contract terms. The PUCO website includes information about these suppliers and the standard service offer (SSO) rate from the monopoly utility company that customers pay through their meter. However, PUCO’s comparison tool must include some essential details to help consumers compare apples to apples.
It Doesn’t Include Variable Rates
Thanks to energy deregulation, Ohio residents can shop for better prices and programs on their electricity and natural gas supply. PUCO has created the Apples to Apples comparison chart to make shopping fast and easy. However, the Apples to Apples chart needs to be completed because it doesn’t include business rates.
Unlike residential customers, businesses are not required to post their rates on the Apples to Apples website. This makes it a challenge for Ohio business owners to find the best deal on their energy supply. There is a way around this obstacle, though. Using a reliable comparison tool can give you access to all the top commercial energy providers in Ohio and gives you the power to compare rates instantly.
PUCO’s Apples to Apples website also provides information about the City’s opt-out natural gas aggregation program. The program helps Shaker Heights residents and small businesses save money on natural gas by purchasing it from one of the PUCO-certified suppliers. This area of the website also provides general customer rights information, including deposit requirements, payment arrangements, reading your meter, and more.
It Doesn’t Include Fees
Thanks to energy deregulation, Ohioans have access to competitive prices and programs. As a result, millions of consumers have chosen to switch to new electric and natural gas suppliers. But how do you know which one is best for you?
The PUCO Apples to Apples comparison tool provides an overview of certified energy suppliers’ prices and contract terms for electric and natural gas. But it’s important to remember that PUCO doesn’t update or maintain these rates and terms, which the energy supplier can change at any time.
For example, if you enter your zip code on Apples to Apples and select Duke as your utility, you’ll be presented with a clunky table of the cheapest suppliers. You’ll see the name and address of the company, their rate and type, amount of renewable content, term length, any intro price, monthly fee, and early termination fees. You’ll also find important information such as reputable company status, customer service ratings, and BBB ratings. However, this is the only information PUCO will provide.
It Doesn’t Include Contract Terms
If you are an Ohio energy customer, you have many choices when selecting your electricity supplier. Ohio’s deregulation has provided energy customers a better chance at decreased monthly rates, which can translate into significant savings over time.
As a consumer, you should always make an informed decision regarding any financial commitment. That’s why, before you sign on the dotted line, you investigate your options and weigh them when buying furniture or a car. It is the same process as looking for a new natural gas or electricity supplier.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, or PUCO, is the institution that oversees providers of utility services. It’s a regulatory institution that acts as a consumer protector, ensuring that certified electricity and natural gas suppliers behave responsibly and in the best interests of Ohio citizens. It also manages aggregation programs for Ohio communities, where citizens shop together to obtain competitive energy rates. PUCO also helps educate Ohio consumers on energy choices and assists them in choosing the right provider for their needs.
It Doesn’t Include Contract End Dates
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) oversees providers of utility services, including electric and natural gas companies. It is their job to protect consumers and encourage competition, which results in better prices.
PUCO created the Energy Choice Ohio website to help customers shop for energy suppliers. Energy Choice Ohio is an excellent opportunity for Ohio residents and businesses to save money on their electricity rates and contracts.
However, knowing that the PUCO Apples to Apples Comparison Tool only sometimes presents accurate information is essential. This comparison tool displays a live feed of suppliers’ supply offers in a random populating order. This means that the cheapest offer may not be displayed in the first place.
It’s also essential to understand how a Price to Compare figure is calculated and what can affect the monthly price you see on your meter. This information will help you compare accurately and find the right deal for your home or business.