In May of 2021, the Mayor and City Commission unanimously approved restarting our electric aggregation program. The City of Dayton has selected SOPEC, the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council, to procure energy for our residents. Our energy will be from 100% renewable resources, and we will be one of only a handful of cities in Ohio that are purchasing 100% renewable content electricity for their community.
Over the next couple of weeks, residents can choose to participate in our program, which offers three options:
- Participate in the program - and be automatically opted in.
- Participate in the program with the fossil fuel option - see below for how you can pursue this option.
- Opt out of the program - see below for how you can pursue this option
What is electric aggregation and how does it impact me?
Please read below to learn more about the electric aggregation program:
WHAT IS A DEREGULATED ENERGY MARKET AND ELECTRIC AGGREGATION?
Ohio has a deregulated the energy market, meaning you can choose where you buy your electricity generation. For example, you can select to purchase electricity from renewable sources or fossil fuels for your home or business. Some residents may have already selected a supplier for electricity, and you may notice marketers mailing you letters to purchase energy from them. You do not need to purchase energy from these marketers, because currently, AES Ohio (formerly DP&L), will automatically provide default electricity supply for you. Importantly, AES will continue to provide electricity to your home or business regardless of where you purchase your electricity supply.
WHO IS SOPEC AND WHY AM I GETTING LETTERS FROM AEP?
SOPEC (Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council) is a non-profit public service organization that currently manages the City of Dayton’s community choice aggregation program. They go out to market on behalf of Dayton residents to try and get the most competitive supply price. This year, they purchased our energy through AEP, who is the energy supplier.
WHY DID MY ELECTRIC BILL INCREASE?
All energy prices will increase in 2022. This is due to AES Ohio raising the distribution rates on residents. The Electric Aggregation program does not impact distribution rates, but only supply charges. Supply chargers did increase from the past year, however the City of Dayton’s supply rate is cheaper than AES Ohio.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT RATE?
Through SOPEC, the City of Dayton purchased electricity supply with 100% green attributes at $0.07457 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). AES Ohio sets its standard service offer (SSO) starting at $0.098. City of Dayton's Aggregation Program will save Dayton residents money for the upcoming year compared to the AES' SSO price.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU AS A RESIDENT?
There are two parts to a utility bill- the delivery fee and the supply fee. The delivery fee is set by AES Ohio (formerly DP&L) and they will remain your electric utility. However, the supply charges will change as the City of Dayton’s aggregation provider, SOPEC, and AEP Energy, its energy supplier, will now supply your energy.
At the end of April 2022, you will receive a notice in the mail from SOPEC and AEP Energy asking if you would like to opt out of the aggregation program without charge. All residents automatically will be enrolled in the program unless you opt out. You will also have the opportunity to leave the program for free at any time if you chose. The notice will have instructions on how to opt-out.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS, AND WILL I SEE SAVINGS?
The main benefit of aggregation is the City of Dayton can achieve a more sustainable electricity supply for our residents by requiring a 100% renewable energy program content at a competitive price for our residents and businesses. The City of Dayton’s aggregation program is saving money in comparison to the default rate offered through AES Ohio.
WHAT IF I WANT TO KEEP USING TRADITIONAL ENERGY (FOSSIL FUELS?)
If you want to be enrolled in the City’s program but would prefer to have fossil fuels, you can choose the “step-down” option. To enroll in this option, you will need to call the AEP Energy call center at 877-726-0214.
CAN I CANCEL AT ANY TIME?
Yes, you can choose to leave the aggregation program for free. If you would like to leave, you can call 877-726-0214 and will return to AES Ohio’s default pricing.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM LAST?
There is currently no end date. The City will notify residents when the program ends.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
For any more questions or concerns, you may contact the City of Dayton call center at 937-333-3333 or the AEP Energy call center at 877-726-0214.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up