Going Green in a Deregulated Market
One of the perks of Ohio's deregulated energy market? You can choose to support renewable energy by switching to a supplier that offers green plans.
The Renewable Options
100% Renewable Plans
Your electricity comes from wind, solar, hydroelectric, or biomass. Most suppliers that offer these source from wind farms across the Midwest.
Cost Difference: Typically 1-3¢/kWh more than conventional plans
Example: If conventional power costs 10¢/kWh, a 100% renewable plan might cost 11.5¢/kWh
Partial Renewable (25%, 50%)
A mix of renewable and conventional power. Cheaper than 100% renewable.
Cost Difference: 0.5-1.5¢/kWh more
Is the Green Premium Worth It?
That's a personal question. Here's the math:
Extra cost for 100% renewable = 900 kWh × 2¢/kWh = $18/month or $216/year
That's about the cost of two lattes per week. Many Ohio customers find that reasonable for supporting clean energy.
How It Actually Works
When you buy renewable power, you're not getting the electrons directly from a wind farm. Rather, you're buying "Renewable Energy Certificates" (RECs) that represent megawatt-hours of green power generated and put onto the grid. This supports the renewable energy market and incentivizes more wind/solar projects.
Finding Green Plans
Many suppliers offer renewable options. When comparing on EnergyMonkey, filter for plans marked "Renewable" or check individual supplier websites for their green product offerings.