|
|
 |
|
|
|
Who do I call to report problems with my natural gas service? Who do I pay?
____________________ What is aggregation? Aggregation is a process by which communities
combine their residents into a large buying group. These buying groups result
in increased "buying power" and stable prices for members. Aggregation is a
simple process that is very popular in Ohio and other states. Will I notice a difference in service? No, the only difference is the energy you
receive from your selected gas supplier is in more stable prices. Your local
utility continues to deliver energy to your homes and businesses.
Electricity and natural gas flow the same as they do now. Where does the natural gas or electricity come from? Using forecasting and hedging methods, your
selected gas supplier procures much of the energy supplied on the open market to
find the best price for your aggregation group. Why is opt-out aggregation better than opt-in aggregation? Opt-out is the easiest way for citizens to shop
since residents need to do nothing to participate in the program. Opt-out
aggregation programs usually provide better prices than opt-in program due to
a larger aggregation group and corresponding higher energy demand. What is an opt-out period? What does it mean? When a community has decided to take part in an
opt-out aggregation program, they must provide all residents the option of choosing
to NOT participate in the program, or "opt-out" of the program. Before the aggregation
program begins, all residents will receive an opt-out notice in the mail. Residents
are given a date by which they must return the opt-out notice or call a toll-free
number to request to be opted-out of the program. How does natural gas aggregation benefit a resident? Natural gas aggregation combines the retail
natural gas loads of customers in a community. By combining the loads of its residents,
the community can be more effective in doing research and negotiating rates,
than an individual customer might be. This combined buying power typically provides
lower, more stable rates and improved service from suppliers. Why is this important to a city or township? State legislators have made the decision
to put the power in the hands of municipal leaders to help residents with
their energy costs by forming aggregation groups. This was accomplished
through House Bill 9 (for natural gas) and Senate Bill 3 (for electricity). A
city or township can now provide another choice to their residents to buy
their natural gas in bulk. Additionally, most residents don't think about
energy costs until it's too late. They normally aren't concerned about
their gas bill until they are already receiving their high winter heating
bills. With an aggregated buying group, gas can be purchased at ideal times
(spring through summer) to provide a better rate in the fall and winter. How does an opt-out aggregation program work? In order for a community to create an
aggregation program, a majority of the residents have to pass a ballot
issue authorizing the community to negotiate the rates on their behalf.
After the ballot issue, the community negotiates rates and chooses a supplier. Who is eligible? Natural gas customers residing within
the community receiving natural gas from the local utility (i.e. Columbia Gas,
Dominion, Duke Energy) are eligible. Residents that are served by another
supplier, PIPP customers, customers in arrearage or are both a distribution
service and mercantile customer are not eligible. What if I do not want to participate? Every resident will receive an opt-out
notice and 21 days to opt-out of the program. The notice will provide
the rates for the program. If you do nothing, you will automatically receive
the new rate. A resident may choose to opt-out, or not participate, by
either returning an enclosed opt-out card or by calling a toll-free
telephone number. What if I already have a supplier? By law, only residents that are not under
contract with a supplier and who are current on their local utility energy
bills may be sent an opt-out card. Residents who have already made a choice
will not be sent an opt-out notice. They may, however, contact the supplier
separately to sign into the program if they like the rate. Those residents
should review their current supplier's contract beforehand though to avoid
any early termination penalties. Who do I call to report problems with my natural gas service? To report service problems, a gas leak,
billing problems, meter reading, estimated readings, and budget payment plan
amounts, you will still call your local utility. If you have questions regarding
the aggregation program or the supplier rate, you should call the supplier. Will I keep my Budget Billing? Budget Billing remains. Your gas rate may be
lower so you may request your budget amount to be recalculated to reflect a
lower cost. |
"Gas aggregation has allowed us to stabilize our community's gas prices. It' a wonderful program and the citizens of Green Township expect to save over $1,000,000 this year."
Tracy Winkler "The only change we have noticed is that our natural gas cost are less than they would have been if we had stayed with Duke Energy, and in fact, Duke still provides the billing and service they provided before the switch.
Mark Tullis
____________________ "When my township voted and approved an aggregated buying group for natural gas, it was so easy for me and my neighbors. There were no forms to fill out and no action needed from us to be part of the program. Talk about simple...I got my same, single bill each month as always, and was pleasantly surprised to see the impact of the aggregation program on my monthly bill! Having a toll free number to call for answers to my questions is very helpful.”
Jim Marrangoni
|
