Shop for electricity and natural gas plans in Columbus 

Finding the right energy plan for your lifestyle should be simple. At least, that’s what we think! Direct Energy is a retail electricity and natural gas supplier focused on guiding you toward a plan that perfectly fits your needs.

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We have something for everyone, Columbus

Did you know you’re free to choose who supplies your electricity and natural gas? It’s true! We’re proud to serve Columbus with energy plans for everyone. No matter what your needs may be, we’ll point you toward a smart fit. That way you can be confident you’re getting the most from your service. Enter your ZIP code above to see available offers in your area.

Other offers in your area

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Young couple looking at iPad
Young couple looking at iPad

Exclusive Vivint savings 

 

Protect your whole home and your peace of mind with smart home security and automation solutions from Vivint. Eligible Direct Energy customers can enjoy exclusive savings on a new Vivint system. 

Learn about Vivint
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Man fixing HVAC
Man fixing HVAC

Home protection plans 

 

Sooner or later, we all deal with common household repairs. From plumbing to appliances, we make it easy to prepare for the unexpected with home protection plans from NRG Protects.

Shop protection plans
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3 girls taking a selfie
3 girls taking a selfie

Give $50. Get $50. Repeat. 
 

For every friend you refer who becomes a Direct Energy customer, you’ll both get a Direct Energy $50 Visa® Prepaid Card. There’s no limit to how many times you can refer and earn! 

Learn how to refer
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Young couple planning on laptop
Young couple planning on laptop

Better control over your usage 

 

Our simple online tools will help you monitor how much energy you use. With better insight into your usage, you can make smarter choices about managing it efficiently.

Direct your energy

Why Direct Energy?

With Direct Energy, you’ll get a straightforward approach to energy and home services. Through every step of your journey, we’re here with energy choices that put you in control.

Something for everyone

Choose from a variety of energy plans to find one that fits your needs. Not sure what you’re looking for? We’ll point you in the right direction.


Simple and direct

Count on us for straightforward energy plans and transparent pricing to make your energy experience a simple one.


A helping hand

We’re here for you during enrollment and throughout every step of your energy journey. Chat with us online or by phone to get the support you need.


Energy and beyond

Energy is just the beginning. Discover protection plans that cover common home repairs. Plus, get deals on home security and automation.

The big deal about energy choice

In Columbus, you get to choose which company supplies your electricity and natural gas. And that has its perks! Let’s explore more on energy choice.

Energy deregulation explained

In the old days, Columbus customers had little or no say in who powered their homes. People relied on a single utility company for electricity or natural gas. Then, energy deregulation, or energy choice, changed the game.

It puts the power in your hands by giving you the ability to choose your electricity and natural gas providers. Now, you aren’t stuck with limited options. You have the freedom to shop for the plans and rates that best fit your needs.


Energy choice has powerful benefits

Thanks to energy choice, retail energy companies (like us) compete for your business. A little healthy competition means you get to enjoy some great benefits! 

  • More plan options
  • Opportunity to shop for competitive rates
  • Extra products and services
  • A personalized energy experience

Here’s how energy choice works in Columbus

1. Producers

They generate electricity and natural gas and sell it to suppliers.

2. Suppliers

Suppliers like Direct Energy purchase energy to meet your needs and give you options your utility doesn't.

3. You

You get to choose your energy supplier and a plan that makes the most sense for you. 

4. Delivery

Your local utility company continues to deliver energy to your home and handle your bill. Direct Energy will be listed on your bill as your supplier.

Meet your Columbus utility companies 

After switching to Direct Energy, your local utility company still manages the flow of energy to your home and handles billing. They’re the ones to call in case of an outage. Here are the major players in Columbus:

Electricity 

AEP Ohio
aepohio.com
1-800-672-2231

Natural Gas

Columbia Gas

columbiagasohio.com
1-800-344-4077 

What kind of energy plan is right for you? 

In Columbus, energy choice means you have more plan options to choose from. We have a little something for everyone, so it’s easy to find what you need. Here are a few plan types you might encounter:

Fixed-rate plans

 

With a fixed-rate plan, you’ll pay the same rate every month for the duration of your contract, even if prices increase. That means more predictable monthly bills, no surprise rate changes, and long-term price stability.

Renewable energy plans

 

Doing good for the planet can be as simple as choosing a renewable energy plan, where electricity is generated from renewable sources like wind and solar. If renewable energy plans are available in your area, you can use them to support renewable energy innovation, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for all.

Variable-rate plans

 

Craving more flexibility? With a variable-rate plan, the price you pay for electricity can go up or down from month to month. 

Plans with extras

 

Sometimes, you may come across an energy plan offering a little something extra. Be on the lookout for plans with special perks!

Shine on, Columbus

When you step foot into the vibrant capital city of Ohio, you quickly notice how seamlessly the past meets the present. Founded in 1812, Columbus boasts a rich heritage that spans centuries, from its role as a frontier settlement to its prominence as a modern metropolis. An endless sea of green spaces give way to lively neighborhoods where the metro’s 900,000 residents live, work and play. We can’t get over how well Columbus cleverly blends the past with the present, the traditional with the innovative!

History and facts

  • Columbus is the capital city of Ohio and the largest city in the state by population, with over 900,000 residents within the city limits and over 2 million in the metropolitan area. 
  • It’s nicknamed the "City of Trees" for its abundance of parks and green spaces. The city's park system includes over 350 parks, totaling over 16,000 acres of greenery, trails and recreational facilities. 
  • The city is home to The Ohio State University, one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the United States. The university's campus is one of the city's major landmarks and contributes significantly to the local economy and culture. 
  • Columbus won the U.S. Department of Transportation's Smart City Challenge in 2016, securing $40 million in grant funding to develop innovative transportation solutions. The city is working to become a model for sustainable transportation and smart city technology. 
  • Known for its diverse population and vibrant cultural scene, Columbus comes together to celebrate its multicultural heritage through festivals, events and cultural institutions that showcase traditions from around the world.

Business facts

  • Columbus has a thriving startup ecosystem and is ranked among the top cities for entrepreneurship and innovation. The city is home to numerous incubators, accelerators and coworking spaces, as well as a supportive network of investors and mentors. 
  • Several prominent retail companies and brands headquarter in Columbus. L Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, is headquartered in Columbus. Additionally, Express, Abercrombie & Fitch and DSW Inc. have their headquarters or major operations in the city. 
  • Columbus has a strong manufacturing heritage, with a diverse range of industries including automotive, aerospace and food processing. Companies like Honda of America, Abbott Laboratories and Anheuser-Busch have manufacturing facilities or operations in the area.

Frequently asked questions

Show all answers

It depends on your utility's timeframe to process requests to switch, but it usually takes up to 1-2 billing cycles.

We don’t charge enrollment fees. However, some utilities and suppliers may charge a switching fee when you sign up with a new supplier. Check with them for more information. 

Give us a call, email us or chat with us online through our website. We’re always happy to help. Check out our Contact Us page for detailed contact information. 

Direct Energy and your utility work together to provide services for your specific area. Direct Energy is a competitive electricity supplier. You can shop for your own energy plans with suppliers like us to find the right rate and plan for you.

Your local utility is responsible for delivering electricity to your home and reading your electricity meter. They are also responsible for sending your electricity bills. In some areas, your utility may also compete in the market, selling its own rates and plans to customers.  

In the event of a power outage, contact your local utility company. Their contact information is typically found on your electricity bill.

Yes! In select markets, customers can choose renewable energy plans that empower them to support environmentally friendly energy sources like wind or solar.

Opting for a renewable energy plan helps reduce carbon emissions and supports the development of sustainable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner and greener future.

Need help placing an order?
Texas customers: Call us at 1-855-461-1926
Northeast and Midwest customers: Contact us


Questions about your current service?
Texas customers: Call us at 1-888-305-3828
Northeast and Midwest customers: Contact us