Sycamore Township residents enrolled in the natural gas aggregation program will pay 17% less per unit of gas starting at the end of their September billing cycle, dropping from $0.6499 to $0.5378 per ccf (hundred cubic feet) through supplier AEP.
The new rate is roughly half what Duke Energy charges its standard customers as of August. Duke's variable gas rate sat at $1.0574 per ccf through the end of the month, according to the township's aggregation update posted Aug. 10, though that rate changes monthly.
Residents already in the program don't need to do anything. The lower rate kicks in automatically.
How the deal came together
The Board of Trustees authorized Administrator Greg Bickford at its June 2 meeting to sign a gas aggregation contract at or below the existing rate, giving him flexibility to lock in a price when the market moved. Bickford told trustees that changes to the way Duke Energy procures gas were increasing costs for Duke customers, making the aggregation program more attractive.
"In this situation it is important for Mr. Bickford to be able to act quickly to secure a good rate," Chairman Tom Weidman said at the June 2 meeting, explaining the board's decision to pre-authorize the deal.
Opt-out deadlines
Opt-out notices will arrive in mailboxes starting the week of Aug. 24 through Sept. 2. The deadline to leave the program ranges from Sept. 15 to Sept. 23, depending on a resident's billing cycle and when the notice was received.
Residents who don't receive a notice can call AEP at 1-888-659-3888 at any time to get information or opt out. There are no penalties for leaving or joining either aggregation program.
Electric rate holds steady
The township's electric aggregation rate remains locked at 10.21 cents per kilowatt-hour through Dynegy Energy Services until the December 2027 meter read. Bickford signed that contract in April after the rate dipped below the 10.4-cent threshold the board had set, telling trustees at the April 14 meeting that the electric program suits residents who don't want to constantly shop for the best rate and prefer a secure, consistent price, though he noted it isn't for everyone.
What to do
- Stay in the gas program: No action needed.
- Opt out of gas: Follow instructions in the mailed notice by your deadline (Sept. 15–23).
- Opt in or out of electric: Call Energy Alliances at 513-794-5555.
- General questions: Call the township at 513-791-8447.
- Permanently opt out of future electric aggregations: Add your account to the state's "Do Not Aggregate" list at puco.ohio.gov.
