Hudson City Council members discussed a proposed opt‑in retail natural gas supply agreement during the July 8 workshop, with staff and a contracted broker describing how the program would work and how residents would be notified.

City staff explained the arrangement is an opt‑in program (not an opt‑out), meaning residents choose to join. In describing the benefits, the broker said the program “really kind of takes the legwork off the resident. It provides them something that we lock in for them, and then it gives them an easier way to find those costs.”

The broker and staff discussed logistics: an enrollment window is typical (they cited 30 to 60 days as a common enrollment period), and the quoted market indication at the meeting was about $5.06 per thousand cubic feet (MCF) for a one‑year contract. The broker said Major Energy Services has been operating since 2009 and “has never canceled a contract.”

Why this matters: A city‑sponsored opt‑in program can save residents time and potentially lock in a price that may be lower than shopping individually, depending on market conditions. Councilors asked about notification and enrollment: staff said the city will advertise the window through its usual channels and that they would work with the broker (Buckeye Energy) to generate a mailing list of prior customers.

What was decided at the meeting: The opt‑in agreement was discussed in the workshop and included on the proposed consent agenda for the July 15 meeting. Council did not adopt the agreement on July 8; staff said they would provide the formal contract and enrollment details for council consideration.

Next steps and consumer guidance: Staff said residents should watch the city website and communications for enrollment dates and that the city will seek to post comparative rate information. The broker warned that natural gas rates are fluid and that locking a one‑year price depends on market supply and timing.

Ending: The proposed agreement was scheduled for consideration as a consent item at the next council meeting; residents were advised to watch city communications for enrollment and rates.