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Energy aggregation issue to appear on
election ballots

This is an example of the guest column sent to media outlets in communities where electric or natural gas aggregation issues will appear on the March 2004 ballot. Individual guest columns covered the following counties: Auglaize, Geauga, Lorain, Stark and Summit.

Columbus, Ohio - February 18, 2004 - On Tuesday, March 2 residents in six areas throughout the state will see an issue on the ballot that would permit their community to “aggregate,” or combine, the electric or natural gas needs of all its residents. In Auglaize County, residents of the City of Wapakoneta will have an opportunity to vote whether to authorize the creation of a buying pool in an effort to save money on their natural gas bills.

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the residential utility advocate, works to educate consumers about aggregation and the opportunities it has created for local governments and their residents. Since November 1999, over 200 communities, primarily in northern Ohio, have approved ballot issues authorizing aggregation.

Communities with aggregation issues on the ballot have selected to use the “opt-out” method. If the aggregation ballot issue passes every resident will be automatically included in the buying pool. Residents who choose not to be a part of the buying pool can “opt out” of the group and remain with their local utility or choose a supplier on their own.

What to expect

If the ballot issue passes, your local government will have the power to choose a supplier on your behalf. Your local government will review options, negotiate offers and make decisions about the purchase of energy service for your community.

While negotiations may take time in some communities, once a supplier has been chosen you will receive a notice outlining the rates, terms and conditions of the negotiated agreement in addition to the procedure for opting out of the buying pool if you choose not to participate. Even though your local government negotiates the offer, an agreement ultimately will be made between you and the supplier. You still will receive a monthly bill and continue to call your local utility for any service needs.

How the OCC can help

Aggregation presents you and your community with a great opportunity to exercise the power to choose gas and electric suppliers. The OCC encourages you to learn about your community’s aggregation plan and familiarize yourself with Ohio’s electric and natural gas choice programs.

The OCC offers a fact sheet called “Aggregation: Where Do We Go From Here?” to help consumers better understand the aggregation process. To receive this fact sheet or more information about energy choice programs, call the OCC toll free at 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) or visit our website at www.pickocc.org.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.