Tallmadge council approves amendment to stay with Dynegy for electric aggregation

The Tallmadge City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize Mayor Kilway to amend the city’s Master Service Agreement for electric aggregation services with Dynegy Energy Services LLC.

Mayor Kilway told the Public Service Committee the city’s aggregation program lets residents opt out and that recent volatility in PJM capacity rates has driven sharp jumps in delivered prices. She summarized recent capacity figures as $28.92 per MW for the 2024–25 delivery year, $269.92 for 2025–26, $329.17 for 2026–27 and a capped December 2025 auction at $333.44 for 2027–28. “We have an aggregation rate for our residents … the last contract we signed was with Dynegy … and it was for a 12‑month contract,” Kilway said, adding that the city’s prior aggregate rate was 8.63¢ per kilowatt‑hour.

The ordinance before council (2026‑42) authorizes the mayor to negotiate and enter an amendment to the master agreement with Dynegy. Kilway said Buckeye Energy Consultants, the city’s broker, has been working daily with Dynegy to seek a lower per‑kilowatt rate and that the broker had indicated there might be an error in the formula being used.

Councilor Klein, who described experience working on prior municipal aggregation efforts, urged caution and urged the council to ensure the administration can shop multiple providers through the broker. He warned residents to watch for offers that add a separate monthly fee and noted that some third‑party plans can look cheaper per kWh but carry additional monthly charges.

Councilors asked whether authorizing the amendment locks the city into a rate; the mayor and chair clarified the contract’s kilowatt rate line is left blank in the draft and that the city would not be required to sign a specific rate if it proved unfavorable. Officials noted the minimum aggregation contract term for electric is typically 12 months and that, if no contract is in place by April 1, residents would revert to the standard service offer (which council discussed at roughly 9.33¢/kWh in the meeting).

Councilor Kline moved to approve Ordinance 2026‑42; Mr. Pavlik seconded. A roll‑call vote followed and the ordinance passed 7–0.

The council’s action authorizes the mayor to pursue the amendment with Dynegy while the broker continues negotiations; the final per‑kilowatt rate will be determined by the timing of the auction and negotiations. The ordinance provides for immediate enactment and the city’s aggregation program remains optional for residents who prefer other suppliers.

Next steps: the mayor and Buckeye will continue to work with Dynegy to lock rates; council discussion indicated officials expected a rate decision within days but the exact final price was not specified at the meeting.