AUSTINTOWN, Ohio — Austintown trustees voted to begin the public process for possible membership in NOPEC (Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council) after a presentation from a NOPEC representative who said residents would see an immediate reduction in electric rates under NOPEC's default product.

Ross McDonald, a NOPEC representative, told trustees the township's current rate is slightly over 9¢ per kilowatt-hour and that NOPEC's announced default product would be 8.99¢/kWh when it becomes the township's supplier in May 2026. He said residents would be the default product but could opt out if they wished. McDonald also described member benefits including small-business lending and community outreach programs.

'On day one...your rate will go down immediately,' McDonald said, adding that NOPEC would present more detailed information at public hearings should the trustees schedule them.

The trustees moved to terminate IEC for electrical aggregation and to approve a resolution to hold the public hearings required for NOPEC membership. The board discussed available hearing dates (Dec. 8 or Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.) and instructed staff to handle mailings and notices.

Why it matters: Electric aggregation decisions affect household utility bills and require public hearings and notice so residents can opt in or out. The default-product rate and the timing of supplier changes determine when savings begin.

What's next: Trustees will hold the required public hearings and NOPEC will provide a fuller presentation and materials at those sessions.