I can attest to local energy is the cheaper way to go. I live in Cuyahoga Falls and they have their own electric company as well as water, sewer and trash. I have lived outside of Cuyahoga Falls and my rates are much cheaper with faster service. That being said, it is surprising that your rates did not go up with the cost of switching over. Many residents do not have the option of choice but some that do might not know of the ability to choose. It is important for people to know about choice and to express themselves of this knowledge. If a smaller town like Orville can keep rates the same when larger companies hike rates for changes less drastic. One of the reasons I moved here was for cheaper utilities and like you stated people should check into the electric choices before settling down.