Aggregation Project Update

October 20, 2010 - The Symmes Township Board of Trustees at their October 13, 2010 special meeting voted to enter into an electric aggregation agreement with Duke Retail and a gas aggregation agreement with Integrys Energy Service.

Additionally, information can be obtained by attending a Board of Trustees special meeting on October 28, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the Safety Service Center, 8871 Weekly Lane.

June 29, 2010 - This past November, Township residents voted 'yes' on allowing the Township to have the authority to aggregate the retail natural gas loads and electric located in the Township and enter into service agreements with State-approved suppliers to purchase natural gas and electric on behalf of the Township residents.

With the passage of this issue, a series of important tasks will begin to take place for Township residents before the program is fully operable.

"It's important for each resident to know that they still will have several opportunities to 'opt out' of any agreement," said Township Administrator Gerald Beckman. "Our intent is to purchase natural gas and/or electric through an intermediary to stabilize the prices over a longer term and subsequently try to lower the cost," he added.

Depending on how the Board decides to go, the purchase of electric may be through an 'opt in' process. We will make sure the public is made aware of their choices.

Here are the next steps in this methodical process:

1. After entering into an agreement the certification process will begin.
2. The consultant must prepare a "Plan of Operation and Governance" in accordance with PUCO rules.
3. The Board of Trustees must pass a resolution adopting the "Plan of Operation and Governance," complete the certification application and submit it to the PUCO.
4. The PUCO will certify the Township after 30 days (unless they deny the application).

In order to keep residents informed the Township has provided cost comparison charts for natural gas and electric rates:

Natural Gas Cost Comparison Chart (Apples to Apples)

Duke Energy Ohio Electric Price Calculator (Cost to Compare)