NOPEC representative urges Plains City to consider ballot question for electric and gas aggregation

A representative of the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) explained to Plains City Council on May 12 how an opt-out electric and gas aggregation program would work and urged council to consider putting the measure on an upcoming municipal ballot.

The presenter described aggregation as a way for the municipality to shop for the supply portion of residents’ bills while distribution remains with the utility. “All you're doing is shopping for the actual generation,” the NOPEC representative said, adding that aggregation covers only roughly half of a typical bill. The presenter said aggregation is an opt-out program that requires ballot language to be filed by Aug. 6 for the November or an earlier ballot.

In a question-and-answer period, council members asked whether aggregation would change suppliers for residents who already have contracts and how complaints would be managed. The presenter said customers already contracted with another supplier would remain with that supplier until their contract ends and that NOPEC operates a toll-free call center for eligibility and enrollment questions.

The presentation highlighted potential savings from buying in bulk, governance (member-directed council of governments), and program flexibility, including options for renewable energy products. Council did not vote on a measure but agreed to put the issue back on a future agenda for additional study and community outreach.

Plains City Council indicated staff will research the ballot language and impacts before any formal action; Mayor Carney suggested adding the item to the June 4 meeting agenda for further discussion.