In July 2026, businesses in Ohio paid an average of 14.06¢ per kWh, the 17th most expensive of the 50 states and DC and 3.2% below the U.S. commercial average of 14.53¢.
That price is up 22.3% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average commercial customer in Ohio used 8,370 kWh a month and paid $1,102 (U.S.: $896).
Average business electric bill in Ohio
The average commercial customer in Ohio paid $1,102 a month over the last 12 months, the 10th highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average business bill was $1,426. These averages mix small shops with large offices and stores, so use the table below to estimate a bill for your own usage.
What would a business pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 kWh × 14.06¢ | $703.00 | $8,436 |
| 10,000 kWh × 14.06¢ | $1,406.00 | $16,872 |
| 50,000 kWh × 14.06¢ | $7,030.00 | $84,360 |
Commercial electricity rates in Ohio by month
Business power in Ohio cost 14.06¢ per kWh in July 2026, compared with 19.45¢ for homes and 10.95¢ for industrial users. See home electricity rates in Ohio.
Utilities serving businesses in Ohio
Ohio Power Co serves the most business customers in Ohio, with 185,877 commercial accounts.
| Utility | Business customers | Avg. business rate |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Power Co | 185,877 | 16.85¢ |
| Ohio Edison Co | 115,127 | 17.03¢ |
| Cleveland Electric Illum Co | 81,605 | 18.11¢ |
| Duke Energy Ohio Inc | 64,559 | 14.11¢ |
| Dayton Power & Light Co | 57,924 | 14.18¢ |
| The Toledo Edison Co | 36,684 | 17.89¢ |
| South Central Power Company | 10,173 | 14.92¢ |
| City of Cleveland | 8,685 | 15.94¢ |
| Holmes-Wayne Electric Coop Inc | 3,187 | 15.14¢ |
| City of Columbus | 3,152 | 13.92¢ |
"Avg. business rate" is what each utility's full-service commercial customers paid on average in 2025 (revenue ÷ kWh sold), shown only for utilities with at least 100 business customers.
Can businesses choose an electricity supplier in Ohio?
Yes. Businesses in Ohio can buy electricity from a licensed retail supplier, and many sign fixed-price contracts to make costs predictable. The local utility still delivers the power.
Compare current offers on the official state site: Energy Choice Ohio (PUCO).
How to lower your business electricity cost
- Check your rate schedule. Utilities put businesses on rate classes by size and usage. Ask your utility whether another schedule, such as a time-of-use rate, fits how you use power.
- Manage demand charges. If your bill has a demand charge, it is set by your highest short burst of usage in the month. Staggering when large equipment starts can lower it.
- Compare supply offers. Check the price per kWh, contract length, early-termination fees and what happens when the contract ends before you sign.
Business electricity rates in neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh |
|---|---|
| West Virginia | 11.44¢ |
| Kentucky | 11.95¢ |
| Indiana | 13.30¢ |
| Pennsylvania | 13.86¢ |
| Ohio | 14.06¢ |
| Michigan | 16.46¢ |
Ohio business electricity FAQ
What is the average business electric bill in Ohio?
Commercial customers in Ohio paid an average of $1,102 a month over the last 12 months, using 8,370 kWh. This average covers every kind of business, from small shops to large offices, so a small business will usually pay much less.
What is the commercial electricity rate in Ohio?
The average commercial rate was 14.06¢ per kWh in July 2026, 3.2% below the U.S. average of 14.53¢. Industrial customers paid 10.95¢ per kWh, and homes paid 19.45¢.
Can businesses choose their electricity supplier in Ohio?
Yes. Businesses in Ohio can buy electricity from a licensed retail supplier, while the local utility keeps delivering it. Official offers are listed on Energy Choice Ohio (PUCO).
What is a demand charge?
Many commercial rates include a demand charge based on the highest amount of power (kW) a business draws during a short interval, often 15 or 30 minutes, in the billing month. Starting large equipment at different times can lower it.
OH commercial and industrial electricity prices and bills: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail sales data (forms EIA-861M and EIA-861), latest month July 2026. Utilities: EIA-861 (2025). Bills and usage are revenue and sales divided by customers. Last updated 2026-10-20.