April 2, 2026

8 min read

Ohio Electricity Rates Editorial Team

Dayton Ohio Electricity Rates: Best Suppliers vs AES Ohio (DP&L) in 2026

Comparing electricity rates in Dayton, Ohio? See how AES Ohio's default rate stacks up against the best suppliers in the Miami Valley and how much Dayton households can save in 2026.

Dayton and the Miami Valley region — including Kettering, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Springboro, Troy, and Piqua — is served by AES Ohio, formerly known as Dayton Power and Light (DP&L). Like every Ohio utility, AES Ohio separates electricity delivery from electricity supply, which means Dayton-area residents can shop for a lower generation rate without changing their delivery service or risking any disruption to their power.

This guide covers how Dayton electricity rates work in 2026, what AES Ohio's current default rate is, and how to find supplier plans that genuinely beat it.

Use the Ohio comparison tool to see current supplier offers filtered to AES Ohio territory.

AES Ohio's Price to Compare: Your Benchmark

Before you look at a single supplier plan, you need a number to beat. AES Ohio's Price to Compare (PTC) is the default generation rate you pay if you stay on the utility's standard offer. As of early 2026, AES Ohio's residential PTC is approximately 10.40¢/kWh — one of the higher baseline rates among Ohio's major utilities.

That elevated PTC actually works in Dayton residents' favor: the savings margin for switching is among the widest in Ohio. A good fixed-rate supplier plan can beat the AES Ohio PTC by 2.5–3.5¢/kWh, translating to meaningful annual savings for most households.

PUCO requires AES Ohio to publish its current PTC on customer bills and on the utility's website. The PTC adjusts periodically, so always confirm the current figure before signing a supplier contract.

What the PTC does and doesn't cover

The PTC covers only the generation and capacity portion of your bill. Delivery, distribution, and transmission charges remain with AES Ohio regardless of which supplier you choose. Those delivery charges — typically 5–8¢/kWh — appear on your bill whether you switch or not. Switching a supplier only affects the generation line item; it doesn't change who delivers your electricity or who you call during an outage.

Best Supplier Rates for Dayton in 2026

AES Ohio territory draws a solid pool of competing suppliers. At any given time you'll typically find 70–100 active supplier plans listed on PUCO's Apples-to-Apples comparison chart — fewer than AEP Ohio's Columbus market (130+), but enough to find genuine value.

Because AES Ohio's PTC runs higher than Duke Energy Ohio's Cincinnati territory, the math on switching is clearer for Dayton households.

Fixed-rate leaders for AES Ohio customers

The best fixed-rate plans in the 7.25–7.99¢/kWh range represent strong value for most AES Ohio customers. At 7.49¢ against a 10.40¢ PTC, a household using 1,000 kWh/month saves roughly $29–$32 per month — or $350–$385 per year.

That's a larger absolute savings than what Cincinnati or Columbus households typically capture from the best available supplier plans, making the switch calculus among the most favorable anywhere in Ohio.

Key terms to verify on any fixed-rate plan:

Contract length: 6, 12, or 24-month terms are most common. Longer terms protect you from rate increases but carry exit risk if you move.
Early termination fee (ETF): Typically $50–$150. If you're renting or might relocate before the term ends, factor the ETF into your break-even math.
Renewal behavior: Some suppliers auto-renew at a new fixed rate; others convert you to a variable rate when the term expires. Read the fine print before signing.
Monthly service fees: Some plans advertise a low per-kWh rate but add a $5–$10/month charge. Calculate the effective rate at your typical usage level.

Variable-rate plans in Dayton: understand the exposure

Variable-rate plans can price below AES Ohio's PTC during mild months, particularly spring and fall when demand is low. But Dayton's climate brings meaningful swing — humid summers with real cooling load and cold winters, particularly in northern Miami Valley communities.

Variable rates can spike significantly during temperature extremes. For most AES Ohio customers, a fixed-rate plan that clearly beats the 10.40¢ PTC is the lower-risk choice unless you're actively monitoring rates and prepared to switch quickly when conditions shift.

Dayton Electricity Rate Comparison: AES Ohio vs Other Ohio Utilities

| Utility | Territory | Approximate 2026 PTC | Savings Potential (vs 7.49¢ supplier) | |---|---|---|---| | AES Ohio | Dayton / Miami Valley | ~10.40¢/kWh | ~$29–35/mo | | AEP Ohio | Columbus / Central Ohio | ~10.29¢/kWh | ~$28–32/mo | | Ohio Edison | Cleveland / Northeast Ohio | ~9.95¢/kWh | ~$24–29/mo | | Toledo Edison | Toledo / Northwest Ohio | ~10.10¢/kWh | ~$26–31/mo | | Duke Energy Ohio | Cincinnati / Southwest Ohio | ~9.12¢/kWh | ~$16–22/mo |

Dayton-area households have among the strongest financial case for switching in the entire state. If you live in AES Ohio territory and haven't compared rates recently, the savings opportunity is as large as anywhere in Ohio.

How to Switch Electricity Suppliers in AES Ohio Territory

Switching is free, reversible, and takes about five minutes. Here's how it works:

1. Find your current rate Check your AES Ohio bill for the generation rate line item, or call AES Ohio to confirm the current PTC. The PTC is also posted on PUCO's website.

2. Compare supplier plans Use PUCO's Apples-to-Apples chart or this site's Dayton rate comparison tool to see current offers. Filter for fixed-rate plans, then calculate effective cost including any monthly fees.

3. Read the contract Before enrolling, confirm: (a) the exact rate, (b) contract length, (c) ETF amount, (d) renewal terms. Ohio's PUCO rules require all contract terms to be disclosed clearly.

4. Enroll Most suppliers let you enroll online in under five minutes. You'll need your AES Ohio account number (found on your bill). The supplier handles the switch notification to AES Ohio.

5. Confirm and track Your first bill after switching will show the new generation rate from your supplier. AES Ohio continues to deliver your electricity and send the combined bill.

Ohio law prohibits switching fees and "slamming" (unauthorized switches). If you ever see a supplier on your bill that you didn't choose, contact PUCO at 1-800-686-7826 immediately.

What Dayton Residents Often Ask About Electricity Rates

Does AES Ohio still own the company that was called DP&L?

Yes. Dayton Power and Light (DP&L) was rebranded as AES Ohio in 2022, following its parent company AES Corporation's acquisition. The utility service territory, billing systems, and infrastructure are unchanged — it's the same company with a new name. If your older paperwork says DP&L, it refers to the same entity now operating as AES Ohio.

Will my power be affected if I switch suppliers?

No. AES Ohio continues to deliver electricity over the same wires regardless of which supplier you choose. Switching suppliers only changes the company that generates your electricity — the delivery infrastructure and AES Ohio's role in outages and service calls remains exactly the same.

How often does AES Ohio's Price to Compare change?

The PTC adjusts periodically, typically quarterly or semi-annually, based on PUCO-approved rate filings. Check the current PTC before signing any supplier contract to ensure your comparison is based on current numbers.

Is my generation rate from a supplier fixed, or can it change?

It depends on the plan. Fixed-rate plans lock in a generation rate for the contract term (6, 12, or 24 months). Variable-rate plans can change month-to-month based on market conditions. Fixed-rate plans offer more predictability; variable plans carry more risk, though they can occasionally offer lower rates during low-demand periods.

What happens at the end of my supplier contract?

When your contract expires, your supplier will typically notify you of renewal options or rate changes. If you don't take action, most suppliers will renew automatically — either at a new fixed rate or onto a variable rate. Mark your contract end date in your calendar and compare options 30–60 days before it expires.

Can Dayton renters switch electricity suppliers?

Yes. If your name is on the AES Ohio account, you can switch suppliers. If your landlord pays the electric bill and it's bundled into rent, you don't have direct account control. If you're unsure who controls the account, check your lease or call AES Ohio.

Dayton-Area Electricity Savings: Real Numbers

Here's what the savings math looks like for typical AES Ohio households at the 10.40¢ PTC vs a 7.49¢ fixed-rate supplier plan:

| Monthly Usage | AES Ohio Default Cost (10.40¢) | Supplier Cost (7.49¢) | Monthly Savings | Annual Savings | |---|---|---|---|---| | 600 kWh | $62.40 | $44.94 | $17.46 | $209 | | 800 kWh | $83.20 | $59.92 | $23.28 | $279 | | 1,000 kWh | $104.00 | $74.90 | $29.10 | $349 | | 1,200 kWh | $124.80 | $89.88 | $34.92 | $419 |

(These figures reflect generation charges only. Delivery charges from AES Ohio are not affected by switching.)

Average Ohio residential electricity usage is approximately 900–1,000 kWh/month. At 1,000 kWh, the savings from finding the right supplier plan easily exceed $300/year — money that stays with your household rather than flowing to default generation margins.

Internal Resources

Rates shown are approximate and based on PUCO filings as of early 2026. AES Ohio's Price to Compare adjusts periodically. Always verify current rates at PUCO's Apples-to-Apples chart before signing any supplier contract.

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