Mayor, Council Ask Energy Review Committee to Consider Additional Energy Choice Options
For Immediate Release
July 18, 2014
For More Information:
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
Dan Williamson,
Mayor’s office, 645-5300
Mayor Michael B. Coleman and City Council President Andrew J. Ginther have asked the Columbus Energy Review Committee to consider a range of options for expanded energy choice for Columbus residents. Mayor Coleman and Council President Ginther formed the Energy Review Committee in April to provide guidance and recommendations regarding energy aggregation. The group held public meetings to learn from nearby communities who have engaged in energy aggregation about the benefits, expectations, and experiences. This week the committee recommended the creation of a local buying group for natural gas and electricity through a citywide voted ballot measure. A link to the report can be found here: http://columbus.gov/ColumbusEnergyReview/.
“I thank all the members of the Columbus Energy Review Committee for their hard work and their excellent report,” Mayor Coleman said. “I look forward to working with them further to fully understand all our options for expanded energy choice.”
Consumers have the option of joining an aggregator group that purchases electricity or natural gas for its members from a single supplier. A large aggregator group may be able to get a better price for the group members than individuals could get on their own. This buying power may also allow aggregators to negotiate for additional benefits for its members such as consolidated billing, procurement of green renewable energy, energy efficiency, renewable energy rebate programs, energy management services and energy use analysis.
“I appreciate the fact that commission members have carefully studied this issue and its potential impact on Columbus residents,” said Council President Ginther. “The energy market is complex, and the commission’s continued work will ensure that a wide variety of options have been explored.”
Aggregator groups may be formed by existing organizations, or new groups may be formed solely for the purpose of buying electricity or natural gas for their members. Ohio law allows for local government aggregation by cities, townships or counties, with opt-in or opt-out provisions for their consumers. Opt-in aggregation is a program that requires each resident to sign up individually to participate. Opt-out aggregation requires a ballot measure and automatically enrolls all local residents, unless they individually opt-out of the program and choose not to be included. All aggregators must be certified by the PUCO to make sure they are qualified to provide electricity or natural gas in Ohio.
Due to recent volatility in the energy market and the potential for voter confusion about the issue of aggregation, Mayor Coleman and Council President Ginther are asking the Energy Review Committee whether there are options in addition to a ballot measure that are worthy of consideration. The committee is asked to respond with a range of energy choice options by October.
The Columbus Energy Review Committee is chaired by Mark R. Shanahan, principal of New Morning Energy, and includes representatives from the energy industry, environmental community, neighborhoods and faith community. The committee includes:
- Regina Clemons, director of emergency assistance, Impact Community Action Agenc
- Aparna Dial, director, Energy Services and Sustainability, Ohio State University
- Cindy Farson, director, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
- Tyrone Lawes, pastor, New Hope Baptist Churc
- Cheryl Roberto, associate VP, Environmental Defense Fund, former Columbus Public Utilities directo
- Jim Sweeney, executive Director, Franklinton Development Association