Orrville utilities director flags cyberattacks, outlines natural‑gas aggregation program at $4.12/MCF

Utilities Director Brecker reported to the Orrville City Council on Oct. 21 that the city's IT systems had recently blocked a large number of intrusion attempts and that residents should remain vigilant about cybersecurity.

"We intercepted over 1000000 attacks trying to get in in just a little bit over a week from our friends across the sea," Brecker said, noting enhancements to a city firewall and reminding the public that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Brecker also reviewed the city's natural‑gas aggregation program. He described the program as a two‑year aggregation offer that runs from Oct. 31 through Nov. 1, 2026, and said the quoted rate for the city's aggregation deal is $4.12 per MCF. He advised residents to compare offers on the public utilities commission site and warned that other deals may carry early‑termination fees or different term lengths.

"If you're already enrolled in the program, you don't have to do anything," Brecker said. "You can change and get in and out of the city's aggregation program at any time. Most of the other deals do hold you to the period that you signed up for. Sometimes there are early exit fees—so read the fine print."

Brecker encouraged residents who have IT questions to contact the city and gave a general reminder about typical utility schedules and upcoming public‑works activity.

Next steps: The utilities office expects to continue monitoring cyber threats and will provide information to residents as needed; residents in the city's aggregation program will receive notices per standard procedures and may compare other offers online.