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Council moves NOPEC aggregation items to first reading after debate over late rate increase
Summary
Council moved two NOPEC-related ordinances to first reading after a lengthy discussion about a late change in the price NOPEC offered for an electric aggregation program. NOPEC's initial quote of $0.0649/kWh was later revised to $0.0699/kWh; some councilmembers objected to the change and one voted against taking the item forward.
The Norton City Council moved two ordinances related to joining the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) electric aggregation program to the agenda for first reading after an extended debate about a late price increase.
Administration and council members said the aggregation program would begin in April 2025. NOPEC originally presented a quote of $0.0649 per kilowatt-hour, but the city was later informed the price would be $0.0699 per kilowatt-hour because of market changes. City officials said the roughly half-cent change would increase the average resident's monthly bill by about $4 (about $50 annually), though officials also said the NOPEC price remains, on an apples-to-apples basis, lower than many other available offers.
Councilmember Harbert summarized the outreach and comparison process: staff solicited quotes, met with NOPEC and other brokers, and concluded the adjusted NOPEC price was the most competitive available despite the increase. Several councilmembers said they were unhappy that NOPEC revised its price after quoting a lower figure in person; one member said they would refuse to support the item to signal concern about that practice.
Administration noted that residents would receive notification letters with an opt-out window (21 days) if the city ultimately adopts the aggregation program. Council scheduled two public hearings at the next meeting for the NOPEC aggregation items. On Jan. 6 council moved Ordinance 9-2025 (joining NOPEC's aggregation) and Ordinance 10-2025 (NOPEC plan of operation and governance) to the agenda for first reading; these were first readings only and are not final approvals.
Council directed staff to continue due diligence, to document NOPEC's pricing and policy changes, and to hold public hearings before any final enrollment decision.
