What is Duke Energy Ohio's current Standard Service Offer?

Duke Energy Ohio's current residential Standard Service Offer is 6.892 cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh). This rate took effect June 1, 2026, and represents a 5.5% increase from the previous quarter's rate of 6.534¢/kWh.

Why does Duke Energy Ohio's SSO change?

Duke Energy Ohio's Standard Service Offer changes because the utility procures electricity through periodic auctions. These auctions reflect current wholesale electricity costs, capacity market results, and regulatory requirements. When wholesale costs rise, the SSO rises accordingly. The PUCO reviews and approves all rate changes.

Is Duke Energy Ohio's SSO the cheapest option?

Usually not. Duke Energy Ohio's SSO is the default rate for customers who haven't chosen a competitive supplier. Licensed competitive suppliers often offer rates below the SSO. Shopping and comparing rates can save $100-$200 annually at typical usage levels.

Will switching from Duke Energy Ohio change my utility service?

No. Switching suppliers only changes who generates your electricity. Duke Energy Ohio remains your utility for all delivery and service purposes. They still own the poles and wires, respond to outages, read your meter, and send your bill. There is no service interruption during the switch.

Duke Energy Ohio Standard Service Offer

Current rate + quarterly history

By John Spencer • Updated June 2026

Duke Energy Ohio's Standard Service Offer (SSO) is the default supply rate for customers who haven't chosen a competitive electricity supplier. It's also the benchmark for shopping — any supplier rate below the SSO saves you money.

Current Standard Service Offer

6.892¢/kWh

Effective June 1, 2026

5.5% from last quarter

Next change: September 1, 2026

Previous SSO (March-May 2026): 6.534¢/kWh

How Duke Energy Ohio sets its Standard Service Offer

Duke Energy Ohio doesn't set the SSO arbitrarily. The rate reflects actual costs of procuring electricity for default service customers through a process overseen by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

Duke Energy Ohio runs competitive auctions to buy wholesale electricity. These auctions secure supply from generators at market prices. The utility then passes these costs directly to customers — no markup, no profit on the supply side.

The SSO includes generation costs, transmission charges, and regulatory compliance costs. When wholesale electricity prices rise — as they have with recent capacity market increases — the SSO rises accordingly.

Rate changes occur periodically. The PUCO publishes upcoming rates before they take effect.

Duke Energy Ohio SSO history

Residential Standard Service Offer rates over the past two years

Period	Rate (¢/kWh)
June 2026(Current)	6.892¢
December 2025	6.534¢
June 2025	6.28¢
December 2024	5.95¢
June 2024	5.72¢
December 2023	5.85¢

Source: PUCO rate filings. Rates shown are residential class averages.

How Duke Energy Ohio SSO compares to competitive suppliers

The current Duke Energy Ohio SSO of 6.892¢/kWh is the rate for customers who haven't shopped. But competitive suppliers often offer lower rates.

PUCO-licensed suppliers in Duke Energy Ohioterritory frequently offer fixed rates below the current SSO.

Savings math

At typical Duke Energy Ohio household usage of approximately 885 kWh/month:

Duke Energy Ohio default (6.892¢): $60.99/month supply

Competitive rate (est.): Lower supply cost available

Potential savings: $100-200/year

How to switch from Duke Energy Ohio SSO to a competitive supplier

Find your Duke Energy Ohio account number

Look at the top of your Duke Energy Ohiobill. Your account number is typically 10 digits. You'll need this to complete enrollment with any supplier.

Compare available rates

Use Apples to Apples (the state's official tool) or Volt Butler to compare supplier rates. Look for fixed rates below the current 6.892¢ SSO.

Enroll online

Select your plan and complete enrollment on the supplier's website. You'll enter your Duke Energy Ohio account number to authorize the switch.

Wait 1-2 billing cycles

The switch processes automatically through Duke Energy Ohio. No phone calls required, no service interruption. Your new rate appears on your bill once the switch completes.

Frequently asked questions about Duke Energy Ohio SSO

What is Duke Energy Ohio's current Standard Service Offer?: Duke Energy Ohio's current residential Standard Service Offer is 6.892 cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh). This rate took effect June 1, 2026, and represents a 5.5% increase from the previous quarter's rate of 6.534¢/kWh.
Why does Duke Energy Ohio's SSO change?: Duke Energy Ohio's Standard Service Offer changes because the utility procures electricity through periodic auctions. These auctions reflect current wholesale electricity costs, capacity market results, and regulatory requirements. When wholesale costs rise, the SSO rises accordingly. The PUCOreviews and approves all rate changes.
Is Duke Energy Ohio's SSO the cheapest option in their territory?: Usually not. Duke Energy Ohio's SSOis the default rate for customers who haven't chosen a competitive supplier. Licensed competitive suppliers often offer rates below the SSO.
Will switching from Duke Energy Ohio change my utility service?: No. Switching suppliers only changes who generates your electricity. Duke Energy Ohio remains your utility for all delivery and service purposes. They still own the poles and wires, respond to outages, read your meter, and send your bill. There is no service interruption during the switch.

Related resources

Duke Energy Ohio Utility Overview

Complete guide to Duke Energy Ohio rates, service area, and supplier options

View page

Ohio Electricity Guide

How to shop for electricity in Ohio

Read guide

SSO rates for other OH utilities

AEP Ohio Ohio Edison The Illuminating Company Toledo Edison AES Ohio

Find rates below the Duke Energy Ohio SSO

Current SSO: 6.892¢/kWh. Many suppliers offer lower rates.

Free comparison • PUCO-licensed suppliers only • No paid placements