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Plain City reviews two consultant responses for utility aggregation; council inclined to proceed
Summary
Village staff received two RFI responses from NOPEC and SOPEC on an opt‑out electric and gas aggregation program; NOPEC provided potential customer rates while SOPEC did not. Councilmembers voiced support for moving to next steps, and staff will prepare public information.
Plain City officials reviewed responses to a request for information on Jan. 12 from two public energy councils as they consider an opt‑out electric and gas aggregation program.
Village Administrator Haley Lupton told Council the village received two RFI responses — from the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) and the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC). Lupton said NOPEC included potential customer rates in its response, while SOPEC did not provide potential rates because of the method it uses to secure pricing. The staff comparison focused on residential customers, Lupton said, and she added that potential gas savings appeared notable when Columbia Gas would be the supplier.
Councilmember Michael Terry said the electorate had voted overwhelmingly in favor of aggregation during the November 2025 election and recommended moving forward with the next steps. Council President Tyler Harriman said, based on the information presented, he did not view either response as clearly superior. Mayor Jody Carney suggested including an explanation of the aggregation process in the next quarterly village newsletter.
Lupton asked Council to submit any specific questions for the two respondents and to confirm whether to advance the process; Council expressed support for proceeding. Lupton also noted the program would be structured on an opt‑out basis and that staff time would likely be required to handle customer inquiries even though consultants will perform the bulk of the work.
No contract was awarded at the Jan. 12 meeting; Council set a direction to proceed with next steps in the aggregation process and for staff to provide public information if the program advances.
