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What: Huber Heights Public Works Committee meeting
When: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: City Hall, 6131 Taylorsville Road
The city of Huber Heights is considering placing an issue on the March ballot for a governmental electricity aggregation program that officials say would save people money on their utility bills, but some residents are skeptical.
The program would give the city buying power to negotiate lower electric and gas rates for its residents and light commercial properties, according to City Manager Rob Schommer.
If approved by voters on the March 15 primary, the program would be implemented city-wide, and residents would be given the opportunity to opt out if they wish, Schommer said.
The deadline for the city to file with the board of the elections to get the issue on the March ballot is Dec. 16.
“Think of it as a volume discount,” Schommer said. “If the citizens want to take advantage of this, we want to move forward and find the best deal for our residents. … In no way are we mandating this or taking away somebody’s choice. They’ll always have the option of not participating.”
The first reading of the necessary ordinances was at the Nov. 9 City Council meeting.
The Public Works Committee is expected to discuss the topic again at Tuesday’s meeting, and the second reading as well as the third reading and council vote could be as soon as Nov. 23.
The issue would then be placed on the March 15 ballot for residents to decide if they want the city to develop the program.
“I think the fact the residents can vote on it and have the choice of opting out, that gives them the control of where they receive their services,” said outgoing Councilwoman Karen Kaleps, chair of the Public Works Committee. “That’s a good thing.”
Jen Bierley, who’s lived in Huber Heights for nearly 12 years, said she would probably vote against the ballot issue if she were to vote now.
“Obviously, we’ll do it if we want to, so I’m glad it will go on the ballot,” Bierley said. “I’m of the opinion of leaving it well enough alone if people are happy with what they have. We have the option ourselves without the city making decisions for us.”
If the ballot initiative passes, Schommer said the city will have public hearings and a notification process to residents. He said the city of Troy has seen a total savings of $2 million between residential and light commercial energy costs over a 12- to15-month period.
Residents could see a savings of about $400 a year in electric and gas costs, Schommer said, referring again to Troy’s program. Huber Heights’ program would likely take four months from March to implement, he said.
Troy officials did not return calls seeking comment for this story.
“We want to make sure we explore and explain those opportunities,” Schommer said. “We want to allow voters and residents to decide if that’s something they want the city to take on for them.”
Residents would be “ushered automatically into the system,” unless they opt out or have an existing contract with a provider, assistant city manager Scott Falkowski said. The program would include a bidding process to secure the best deal for the city, he said.
“You do stand to benefit as a resident and citizen of the community,” Kaleps said.
Lifelong resident Greg Mach likened it to the city’s decision to go with one trash collector. He said he’s had problems with the hauler, and he’s fearful issues would come up with the energy provider the city selects.
“What happens when we go to a single utility provider, and there’s poor performance?” Mach said. “What is our resolution or remedy for it? That’s my big thing.”
Other municipalities have similar aggregation programs, including Xenia, Oxford and Cincinnati. Huber Heights has a population of about 38,000 residents.
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