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Moraine holds public hearing on natural gas aggregation plan; consultant outlines opt-out process
Summary
Palmer Energy consultant Phil Dysart presented a plan for the city to join the Miami Valley Communications Council's natural gas aggregation program, described the opt-out process and consumer protections, and said the city must adopt a resolution after two public hearings to join the program and file with the PUCO.
Phil Dysart, an independent energy consultant with Palmer Energy working for the Miami Valley Communications Council (MVCC), presented information at a public hearing June 12 on a proposed natural gas aggregation program for Moraine residents.
Dysart said the MVCC has run a successful electric aggregation program and that the communities in the MVCC are ready to pursue natural gas aggregation now after prior pricing runs did not show savings. He explained that, if the city decides to join, the MVCC will solicit supplier pricing and the MVCC director would sign any resulting supplier contract, then the supplier will mail opt-out letters to eligible customers. "There is just like with the electric aggregation, no early termination fee. So at any time, anyone can get out of the program," Dysart said.
The consultant described eligibility and exclusions: customers on the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) or customers already under an active supplier contract will be removed from the initial eligible list; the latter group may join later but may face contract termination fees if moved while under another supplier agreement. Dysart also said typical contract terms are 12, 24 or 36 months, and that the supplier's opt-out window would be about 21 days followed by a 10-day rescission notice from the utility. "We on your behalf, we submit it to the PUCO, the Public Utilities Commission, and then we're good to go," he said of the required filing if council passes a resolution to join.
Why it matters: Dysart said the aggregation creates a fixed-price ceiling and budget certainty for households that rely on delivered natural gas in winter months, although natural gas market prices change monthly and aggregate savings are more variable than for electric aggregation. He said the MVCC and member communities decide whether to proceed after the pricing round and noted residents can opt out at no cost.
The hearing was informational only; no council action on the aggregation was taken at that session. Dysart said letters to residents would be expected in mid-August if the program moves forward toward an October start.
The public hearing was opened, sworn testimony taken, and adjourned at 6:21 p.m.; council then called its regular meeting to order.
