Community Aggregation
What are the advantages of local government aggregation?
The theory behind governmental aggregation is simple: by using bulk purchasing power of towns and communities, greater savings can be passed on to individual consumers. By joining together, consumers can gain the ability to utilize a team of experienced professionals to negotiate for better prices and protections. For more information click here or read about Government Aggregation for your Community.
What does an aggregator do?
An aggregator acts as an agent for a buying group by reviewing energy supplier options, negotiating offers and making decisions about purchasing reliable natural gas on behalf of the buying group. The contract that results from this process is between the individual consumer and the supplier at the price negotiated by the aggregator.
Local governments, such as cities, counties, townships and villages may aggregate the energy used by their residents and arrange for the purchase of natural gas as “governmental aggregators.” Local governments may begin their aggregation programs following their certification by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Do I reside in a community that participates in an aggregation program?
Click here for a complete list of communities. If your community is not listed or does not participate in an aggregation program, see Select a Supplier.
What is NOPEC?
Nearly 126 communities in Northeast Ohio have formed an aggregation, which has been named the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC). NOPEC is the largest such aggregation in the United States. To find your eligible aggregation community please click here.
Who is eligible for NOPEC?
There are 3 qualifications for NOPEC:
- You must be a Dominion East Ohio customer.
- You must be up to date with your payments to Dominion East Ohio.
- You must live in a NOPEC Gas Community.
If you are with another supplier, compare your rate with NOPEC’s rate and consider any cancellation fee that you may be charged before changing to NOPEC’s aggregation program. To enroll with NOPEC, call NOPEC Customer Service at 888-848-7914 and give the following information:
- Name on the account
- Address
- Phone number
- Account Number
Opting out of an aggregation program.
Local governments can aggregate their residents’ natural gas loads on their own or jointly with other local governments. Ohio law gives local governments the option to choose either an opt-in or opt-out form of aggregation.
Opt-In -- Each consumer is required to agree to participate in the program before being included in the aggregation pool. The opt-in method does not require voter approval at election time.
Opt-Out -- Each consumer is automatically included in the aggregation pool unless you are already enrolled with an Energy Choice supplier or you affirmatively decide not to participate. This approach provides a larger and more predictable customer base initially, and it may increase your group's bargaining power for lower prices. If opt-out aggregation is chosen, the issue must be voted on at election time. If voters approve, the local government must develop a plan addressing operation and governance for the program.