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NOPEC explains opt-out community aggregation and use of RECs to Lancaster council
Summary
A NOPEC representative told Lancaster council that community aggregation is "opt-out" by law, uses bulk buying to stabilize supplier rates, and that renewable claims are met via Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) purchased from plants across the country.
Genevieve Castanzo, representing the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC), briefed Lancaster City Council on energy deregulation and the benefits and limits of community aggregation. Castanzo said aggregation lets communities use bulk purchasing to secure competitive supplier rates while leaving physical distribution and outages to the regulated utility.
Castanzo explained NOPEC operates as an "opt-out" program under Ohio law to achieve the critical mass needed for lower prices; residents retain the right to "switch plans or leave the program at any time without termination fees." She told council that because Ohio currently lacks sufficient local green generation, NOPEC uses Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) bought from renewable generators across the country and then "retires" those RECs to make renewable energy claims.
Council members asked practical questions: Ms. Smiley flagged a spike in her personal bill and asked about the renewable source; Castanzo answered about RECs. Mr. Bizjak sought clarification on which customers are included; Castanzo confirmed aggregation applies to customers of investor-owned utilities, not to cooperative or municipal utilities. Auditor Nettles asked about returning to the program after having opted out; Castanzo outlined steps residents should follow via their supplier and utility account status.
Castanzo cautioned against short-term "teaser rates" from other suppliers that include hidden fees or large price spikes when contracts expire, sharing a personal anecdote about being overcharged after missing a renewal deadline. Council received the presentation and asked follow-up questions; no formal action was taken.
