Why does The Illuminating Company's PTC change?

The Illuminating Company's Price to Compare 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 PTC rises accordingly. The PUCO reviews and approves all rate changes.

Is The Illuminating Company's PTC the cheapest option?

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

Will switching from The Illuminating Company change my utility service?

No. Switching suppliers only changes who generates your electricity. The Illuminating Company 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.

The Illuminating Company Price to Compare

Current rate

By John Spencer • Updated June 2026

The Illuminating Company's Price to Compare (PTC) 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 PTC saves you money.

Current Price to Compare

11.11¢/kWh

As of June 1, 2026

Ohio utilities update the Price to Compare monthly, so this figure is current as of June 2026. The Standard Service Offer (SSO) auction sets the default generation price; the Price to Compare shown here is what you actually shop suppliers against.

Confirm your current PTC at Apples to Apples →

How The Illuminating Company sets its Price to Compare

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

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

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

How The Illuminating Company PTC compares to competitive suppliers

The current The Illuminating Company PTC of 11.11¢/kWh is the rate for customers who haven't shopped. But competitive suppliers often offer lower rates.

PUCO-licensed suppliers in The Illuminating Companyterritory frequently offer fixed rates below the current PTC.

Savings math

At typical The Illuminating Company household usage of approximately 846 kWh/month:

The Illuminating Company default (11.11¢): $93.99/month supply

Competitive rate (est.): Lower supply cost available

Potential savings: $100-200/year

How to switch from The Illuminating Company PTC to a competitive supplier

Find your The Illuminating Company account number

Look at the top of your The Illuminating Companybill. 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 11.11¢ PTC.

Enroll online

Select your plan and complete enrollment on the supplier's website. You'll enter your The Illuminating Company account number to authorize the switch.

Wait 1-2 billing cycles

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

Frequently asked questions about The Illuminating Company PTC

What is The Illuminating Company's current Price to Compare?: The Illuminating Company's current residential Price to Compare is 11.11 cents per kilowatt-hour (¢/kWh), in effect as of June 1, 2026. Ohio utilities update the Price to Compare monthly, so this figure is current as of June 2026. The Standard Service Offer (SSO) auction sets the default generation price; the Price to Compare shown here is what you actually shop suppliers against.
Why does The Illuminating Company's PTC change?: The Illuminating Company's Price to Compare 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 PTC rises accordingly. The PUCOreviews and approves all rate changes.
Is The Illuminating Company's PTC the cheapest option in their territory?: Usually not. The Illuminating Company's PTCis the default rate for customers who haven't chosen a competitive supplier. Licensed competitive suppliers often offer rates below the PTC.
Will switching from The Illuminating Company change my utility service?: No. Switching suppliers only changes who generates your electricity. The Illuminating Company 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

The Illuminating Company Utility Overview

Complete guide to The Illuminating Company rates, service area, and supplier options

View page

Ohio Electricity Guide

How to shop for electricity in Ohio

Read guide

PTC rates for other OH utilities

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Find rates below the The Illuminating Company PTC

Current PTC: 11.11¢/kWh. Many suppliers offer lower rates.

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