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SOPEC liaison tells Jacksonville council residents were mailed opt-out notices; deadline June 1
Summary
Mary Nally of SOPEC told the Jacksonville council that Community Choice Aggregation opt-out letters were mailed with a June 1 deadline, said participants have saved more than $4,000 collectively, and described recent rate drivers including a PUCO-approved $10 increase for AEP Ohio customers.
Mary Nally, the Southeast Ohio regional liaison for the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), told the Village of Jacksonville council on May 27 that opt-out letters for the Community Choice Aggregation program were mailed to residents and small businesses and carry a June 1, 2026 deadline.
"Savings for these participants has been over $4,000," Nally said, summarizing past results for communities that joined SOPEC's aggregation. She told council the program negotiates fixed-term electricity rates on behalf of participating households and small businesses.
Nally said electric rates are rising for a combination of reasons she listed to council: increased demand driven by data centers, delays in replacing power plants and the war in Iran. She also advised that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) recently approved a $10-per-month increase for all AEP Ohio customers, a change SOPEC opposed.
Councilperson Angela Strock asked why the aggregation is structured as an opt-out program rather than opt-in. Nally said the opt-out framework is set by the Ohio Revised Code. When Councilperson Eric Clift asked how often participants can opt out, Nally replied, "they can opt out and back in any time, as often as they want," and added that participants may opt out permanently through PUCO or annually through AEP.
Nally also described community grant funds available through SOPEC for local projects and encouraged any interested residents or businesses to contact the organization for details.
The council did not take action at the meeting; Fiscal Officer Heather Rockwell said opt-out letters had been mailed to Jacksonville addresses and that residents who want help reviewing options may consult village staff.
