If you’re a commercial or industrial customer in Duke Energy Ohio’s service area, this guide will help you break down the details of a typical energy bill. We’ll review the key charges, explain common terms, and show you how to read your bill, like understanding kilowatt-hours (kWh) and identifying your supply and delivery costs.
Understanding your Duke Energy Ohio bill can help you manage your energy usage, spot savings opportunities, and avoid surprises.
What Your Duke Energy Ohio Bill Includes
A typical Duke Energy Ohio bill is divided into several sections:
- 22-digit Choice Service ID: Your unique 22-digit Choice Service ID is typically located next to the “Due Date” field.
- Meter Readings: Lists both previous and current meter readings, the meter number, and the billing period. Your electricity usage is calculated by subtracting the previous reading from the current one, measured in kWh.
- Balance Forward: Any outstanding balance from the previous bill, along with payments received or additional charges like late fees or returned checks.
- Supply Charges: The cost of the actual electricity you use, whether from Duke Energy or a third-party supplier.
- Delivery Charges: Costs to deliver electricity to your business, including maintaining power lines, substations, and other infrastructure.
Understanding Supply Rate and Delivery Charges
- Supply Rate:
This is the cost of the electricity you consume. If you have chosen a third-party supplier, this rate may vary. If you buy from Duke Energy Ohio, you pay the “Price to Compare” (PTC), which reflects the actual cost Duke pays for electricity on the wholesale market. PTC is the rate (in cents per kWh) that alternative suppliers must beat for you to save money. It’s made up of the supply portion of your bill and is key when shopping for new rates. - Delivery Charges:
These cover the cost of delivering electricity from the grid to your business. Delivery charges are regulated and remain the same regardless of your electricity supplier.
Note: If you remain with Duke Energy Ohio for supply, you’ll see various riders such as Retail Capacity Rider (RC), Retail Energy Rider (RE), and others that make up your supply cost. These are not charged if you switch to a different supplier.
We did a full breakdown of supply and delivery charges on the blog.
Other Key Bill Components
- Customer Charge:
A fixed monthly fee that covers basic service costs. A breakdown of your electricity consumption, often in kWh, and the billing period. - Delivery Riders:
Additional charges that recover costs for specific utility operations, state-mandated programs, or infrastructure investments. - Transition or Bypassable Riders:
Charges or credits that may apply if you switch to a third-party supplier. - System Benefits Charge (SBC):
Funds state-mandated programs for energy efficiency, low-income assistance, and renewable energy. - Taxes and Surcharges:
State and local taxes are added to all bills. - Usage Graph:
Many bills include a graph showing your electricity (and gas, if applicable) usage over the past year, helping you spot trends and identify ways to save.
Key Takeaways for Duke Energy Ohio Customers
- You can choose your supplier:
The supply rate may vary if you select a third-party provider. Delivery charges remain the same no matter your supplier. - Rates can change monthly:
The PTC supply rate is market-based and can fluctuate, especially during high-demand seasons. - Additional charges fund important programs:
Charges like the System Benefits Charge (SBC) support state energy initiatives and grid reliability. - Usage tracking helps you save:
Review your usage graph and meter readings to spot trends and identify ways to reduce your energy costs.
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By understanding each part of your Duke Energy Ohio bill, you can make informed decisions about your energy use, compare supplier offers, and take advantage of programs to help you save. If you’re interested in working with a new supplier, contact our Energy Experts for more information.
