Community Aggregation Programs

Community Aggregation Programs

Purchasing Power, Customer Choice, Peace of Mind

Snapshot of Community Aggregation

  • Ohio law allows communities to group their citizens’ electric loads to purchase their power as an aggregation and negotiate the terms, conditions and price of the electric supply on their behalf.  This type of group buying is an effective way to obtain competitive rates for electric and natural gas supply for all the participants.
  • Most community aggregation programs are structured so that all eligible residents and small business customers in the community are automatically enrolled.  Eligible customers, who don’t want to participate, can easily opt-out of the program.
  • An aggregation program can only be implemented if a majority of the voters approve it in a primary or general election.

WHICH PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO YOU:

County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO)

Palmer Energy manages the County Commissioners Association of Ohio Service Corporation (CCAOSC) electric and natural gas programs.  Participating counties offer aggregation services to eligible residential and non-mercantile business accounts.

Click Here to Learn More about the CCAO Program

Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition (NOAC)

NOAC electric and natural gas programs are available for residential and non-mercantile business accounts served on the RS/GS rate classification located within the program boundaries in:

  • Cities of Maumee, Northwood, Oregon, Perrysburg, Rossford, Sylvania, Toledo, and Waterville
  • Villages of Delta, Holland, Ottawa Hills, and Walbridge
  • Lake and Perrysburg Townships in Wood County and the unincorporated areas of Lucas County
Click Here to Learn More about the NOAC Program

Ohio Municipal League (OML)

Palmer Energy manages the Ohio Municipal League Service Corporation (OMLSC) electric and natural gas programs.  Participating municipalities offer aggregation services to eligible residential and non-mercantile business accounts.

Click Here to Learn More about the OML Program

Maumee Valley Communications Council (MVCC)

Palmer Energy assists the MVCC in managing its electric and natural gas programs.  The MVCC offers aggregation services to eligible residential and non-mercantile business accounts in:

  • Cities of Brookville, Centerville, Clayton, Eaton, Englewood, Fairborn, Germantown, Huber Heights, Kettering, Miamisburg, Monroe, Moraine, Oakwood, Trotwood, Troy, Union, Vandalia, and West Carrollton.
  • Villages of New Lebanon and Lewisburg.
Click Here to Learn More about the MVCC Program

Benefits of Aggregation

Purchasing Power – By grouping residents and small businesses together, customers can increase their purchasing power allowing for more competitive pricing options.  Note: results vary based on energy market conditions, utility companies and customer data.

Customer Choice – Each customer has the choice to participate in the program.  In most cases, participants can leave the program at any time without termination fees. Details are in contract T&Cs.

Peace of mind – The community aggregation program is straightforward and transparent; price and term are clearly defined in the program notices, there are no hidden fees, and no charge to leave most programs. 

 

Why Palmer Energy Company

Palmer Energy has been a leader in unbiased energy management and consulting services for over forty years. We are committed to evolving alongside the energy industry and remaining an integral part of our clients’ energy management teams.
  • Palmer Energy currently manages more than 300 individual electric and natural gas community aggregation programs.
  • Palmer Energy works one-on-one with participating counties, townships and villages to facilitate the steps needed to successfully put the aggregation on the ballot, complete the required certification process with the PUCO, and secure competitive rates for participants.

  • Palmer Energy provides a team dedicated to managing your energy needs.  We deliver customized personal service along with maximum cost-savings results.

  • With the ever-changing energy industry and unpredictable energy supply rates, the Palmer Energy Team can assist you with your aggregation program needs.

 

Services Provided:

 

  • Professional energy consultation for each participating community
  • Ballot process instruction, marketing strategies and program materials
  • Local presence and program presentations at community meetings
  • Notice to community residents regarding market conditions and industry changes
  • Evaluation of all customer data
  • Distribution and completion of RFP process
  • Assistance with contract review and execution
  • PUCO Certification renewal, quarterly and annual report services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)

What is community aggregation?

Community aggregation is an easy and effective way for a large group of consumers to secure competitive rates and potential savings on their electric bills. Ohio law allows communities to form aggregated buying groups to negotiate pricing and terms for the purchase of electric generation and/or natural gas supply on behalf of their citizens. By bringing citizens together, the aggregation gains group buying power to negotiate a better price with the supplier than individuals could typically achieve on their own. The community acts as the aggregator and chooses the electric generation or natural gas supplier for the group.

If your community does not already have a community aggregation in place, please contact your elected officials and ask them to place electric and/or natural gas aggregation on the ballot. By voting YES for aggregation, you empower your locally elected officials to group your electricity and/or natural gas purchases to secure lower prices.

How would my community start an opt-out aggregation and how does it work?
Palmer Energy is ready to assist your community with the aggregation process.
  • To initiate the process, your community must first place the aggregation issue on the ballot.
  • If the ballot measure passes, your community will then need to be certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
  • Following certification, Palmer Energy will work to secure favorable pricing for eligible residents and small businesses within your community.
  • Once the pricing is established, eligible residential and small business customers will receive a letter detailing the program’s terms and conditions.
  • Enrollment in the program is automatic unless you specifically notify the selected supplier that you do not wish to participate.
  • No action is required from residents served on the utility tariff rate to join the program.
    • Residents in 3rd party supply agreements will need to opt-in to the program after their existing contracts expires.
How does an opt out program work?

All eligible residents are automatically enrolled in the community aggregation program. However, you have the option to opt-out by contacting the supplier directly or by completing and returning the opt-out form included in the letter you received.  The letter also provides information on pricing, terms and conditions of the offer.

What happens if I do not send in the opt-out form?

Community aggregation is designed to be easy for residents to participate.  If you do not call or return the opt-out form by the due date, you will be included in the community’s aggregation program. 

 

The aggregation pricing will begin shortly after the opt-out period ends.
Can I opt out of the program at a later date?
Yes, you can leave the program at any time. Most aggregation programs do not have a cancellation fee; however, checking the terms and conditions of your specific program to confirm is recommended. If you are unable to locate these terms, please contact your supplier directly to inquire about any potential early exit fees. Additionally, you will receive a notice at least every three years for electricity programs and every two years for natural gas programs, offering you the opportunity to opt out at no cost.

 

What are my energy supply choices if I decide to opt out?

You have the option with both electric and natural gas to return to your utility default service or shop through another supplier. A list of competitive suppliers certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is available by calling 1-800-686-PUCO (1-800-686-7826).  You can also visit the PUCO’s Apples to Apples page at https://energychoice.ohio.gov/

If I participate in my community's aggregation program, who will deliver my electricity or natural gas, read my meter, and respond to emergencies?

There will be no change to your distribution services. Your local utility will continue to be responsible for delivering power or natural gas to your home or business and will respond to all emergencies. They also maintain the necessary infrastructure for electricity and natural gas delivery.

CONSUMER ALERT

Be careful to evaluate the terms and conditions of all supply offers as many do not provide transparency on rate variability and savings potential.

All community aggregation programs managed by Palmer provide clear rate and term details so there is no uncertainty on your energy supply rate.  Your community officials do not endorse door-to- door or phone solicitations.  Be cautious when providing your energy bill to salespeople, as providing this information may lead to an unwanted change to your account supplier. Also, beware of robo-calls and phone solicitors claiming that “your utility account has been flagged for review.” Your utility will not call you with supply offers.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact your local officials.