A law enacted in 1999 restructured Ohio’s electric industry by changing the way customers shop for electricity.

The law, which took effect January 2001, provided for a five-year market development period. During this time, the utilities’ rates were frozen to allow a competitive retail market to develop.

In 2008, the Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 221 to keep electric rates stable going forward, create jobs, implement energy efficiency and expand Ohio’s renewable and advanced energy industry.

The new law incorporated a new system under which rates would be approved by the PUCO beginning in 2009. Senate Bill 221 also outlined alternative paths for electric utilities to implement different forms of market-based pricing.

Finally, Ohio residents can shop for Energy the same way they shop for anything they consume — by comparing prices.

Energy customers who choose to purchase power through another supplier receive a single bill that includes charges from the supplier as well as their utility company for delivering that Energy. Your current Utility Company is responsible for maintaining the supply lines and is still the company customers will call in case of a power outage.

A recent survey by the Energy and Environment Marketing Agency found that most people aren’t aware that they have a choice of energy providers despite the fact that 15 states including Ohio have deregulated energy markets.