Commissioners move ahead with voter-backed energy aggregation plan for seven townships

Lawrence County officials heard a briefing Tuesday on a voter-approved proposal to allow countywide aggregation of electric and natural‑gas supply for unincorporated residents in seven townships ahead of the November ballot.

The presentation by Phil Dicer, an independent energy consultant with Palmer Energy working with the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, outlined how the opt‑out program would bundle eligible households to seek fixed‑price supply contracts and described who would be included or excluded.

Dicer said the ballot measure would allow the commissioners to act as the aggregator if voters approve it. “It is an opt out program,” he said. “All eligible customers … would be automatically opted into the program with the opportunity to opt out.”

Why it matters: aggregation can provide greater purchasing power than individual customers negotiating alone and can…