“It’s very important to note that this savings isn’t going to be realized by everyone. This is an average – some could save more, some less,” he said.
City voters approved the concept of an electric aggregation program in 2011.
The Troy City Council approved a specific program earlier this month. The three-year agreement is for a fixed price of 0.0526 per kilowatt-hour.
The council approved the program as emergency legislation to allow implementation of the program as soon as possible.
Those receiving letters from First Energy Solutions will be given an explanation of the program, and have the opportunity to opt out of the program. That is done by sending back a form declining participation.
If they do not choose to opt out, they will be enrolled automatically in the program.
Accounts not included in the aggregation program include:
- Those with annual usage of 700,000 kWh or more
- Percentage of income payment plan customers
- Residents and businesses currently under contract with third party suppliers
- Residents and businesses that have requested to be on PUCO do not aggregate list
- Recognized national accounts
- Lighting accounts/meters
Titterington said First Choice will provide budget billing when requested and will not charge a termination fee if a customer decides later to sign with another provider. The company is handling the majority of government aggregation programs in the state, he said.
“There really is no downside to participating unless the resident thinks they can get a better deal from someone else after they enroll with First Energy,” Titterington said. “Even then, they can cancel their contract later with First Energy and they will not be charged a termination fee.”
The process of preparing for an aggregation program is long, Titterington said, in explaining why the program approved by voters in 2011 is being made available now. The process was lengthened because DP&L was changing how it priced electric, a process the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio had to approve before the city could seek and compare bids on an aggregation program, he said.
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