Gas Aggregation Update | FAQs | Program History | Plan of Operation/Governance
PUCO | Ohio Consumers' Council
Natural Gas Aggregation
2008 Program Details
Since obtaining voter authorization in 2003, the City has been a natural gas aggregator on eligible residents’ behalf, creating a larger buying pool when negotiating natural gas supply prices. To further enhance buying power, the City joined the Central Ohio Public Energy Council (COPEC) with Dublin, Gahanna and Bexley. Negotiations with potential gas suppliers are conducted by American Municipal Power (AMP) Ohio on behalf of COPEC.
2008 Program Details
Example of Letter Being Sent to Eligible Households
Example of Letter Being Sent to Newly Eligible Households (includes existing Columbia Gas customers)
The City has selected Interstate Gas Supply (IGS) for its 2008 Natural Gas Aggregation Program, for the fourth consecutive year. The fixed rate for 2008 is 1.039 per CCF. This is 15 cents less than the 2007 program rate. New to the City's program for 2008, participants will not be charged a termination fee if they choose to withdraw partway through the year.
Residents currently enrolled in the City's 2007 Program, received a letter from IGS announcing the terms of the City's 2008 Gas Aggregation Program in November. These residents will automatically be enrolled in the program unless they opt out by the deadline of December 12, 2007.
Newly eligible customers, which includes those currently receiving their gas supply from Columbia Gas in 2007 are to receive their notification and opt out letters early December, with an opt out deadline of January 11, 2008. There was an unforeseen delay in getting these letters out to residents, for which IGS and the City apologize.
Residents who purchase natural gas from another provider or residents who did not receive an opt-out notice and who want to join the program, can contact IGS directly at 1-800-280-4474 for details and enrollment options.
Additional Information
The rules on opt-out aggregation are very specific about who is considered eligible for participation in the program. Customers who meet the following criteria will receive program notices and can become members of the aggregation group:
• They are not currently buying gas from another supplier.
• They are up to date with their bill payments with the local utility.
• They currently have service from the local utility.
• They are classified as non-mercantile (commercial or industrial customers using more than 500,000 cubic feet of gas per year, or operating more than three locations in Ohio).
• They are not on the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP).
If you do not fall within these categories, please contact IGS directly at 800-280-4474 to determine your eligibility status.
The City advises you to be an informed consumer by thoroughly reading and asking questions to be sure you fully understand the terms before entering into a contract, regardless of whether you choose to participate in the City’s aggregation program or another option. Some contracts have rates which vary over time and/or may carry a high early termination penalty.
Additional information on gas aggregation and supplier offers can be obtained from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, www.puc.state.oh.us (1-800-686-7826), or from the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, www.pickocc.org (1-877-742-5622).
The City's contact regarding this program is Matt Shad, who can be reached at 614-583-5046. You mail complete an online email query by clicking here.
Updated 12/7/07
City Manager's Office
City of Upper Arlington
3600 Tremont Road
Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221
Phone: 614-583-5046
Fax: 614-457-6620
www.ua-ohio.net
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