Residents (including small businesses) will receive renewable, clean-energy electric beginning July 1, 2023. A recent agreement with AEP Energy provides an additional benefit of a 35% decrease in the expected July 1 cost of the non-renewable electric generation rate.
Clean Energy and Savings
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The voter-approved ballot issue to aggregate enabled the City to request quotes seeking better pricing from electric energy providers.
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Residents will receive a notice from AEP Energy beginning May 12 describing program details.
Savings and Options
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The City’s aggregation rate is 7.021 cents/kWh, fixed for 24 months, providing a participating customer using 800 kWhs an estimated monthly savings of $31 when compared to AEP’s non-aggregation rate of 10.95 cents/kWh, expected in July.
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Residents and small business owners may opt out of the eco-friendly program any time at no charge. Convenient opt-out options will be included in the AEP notice.
Contact AEP Energy at 1-877-726-0214 or visit AEPenergy.com/aggregation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the City Electric Aggregation Program?
Under the City Electric Aggregation Program, the City acted on behalf of its electricity consumers to select an electricity supply provider who is able to secure electricity at competitive prices. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio “PUCO” has taken steps to ensure that Ohio’s competitive electricity environment is consumer-friendly.
Voters in the City approved this aggregation program and the City Council passed an ordinance adopting this Electric Aggregation program. The City has selected AEP Energy as their preferred electricity supply provider to serve their residents and small businesses for twenty-four (24) months beginning with the July 2023 meter-read date.
Who is AEP Energy?
AEP Energy is a certified Competitive Retail Electric Service (CRES) provider and a subsidiary of American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP). With an office located in Columbus, Ohio, AEP Energy sells electricity supply to customers at market-based prices rather than regulated rates offered by your local utility.
Why did the City select AEP Energy as its provider?
The City selected AEP Energy because they were able to propose a program that represented the best overall value for eligible households and businesses.
How do I enroll?
You do not have to do anything to enroll. All eligible customers will be automatically included in the program unless you choose to opt out. If you opt out, you will continue to be served by your local electric utility’s standard service offer or until you choose an alternative electric service provider. However, if you do not respond to this letter, the utility will complete the enrollment process. As a part of the enrollment process, you will also receive a notice from your local utility, AEP Ohio, confirming your decision to enroll with AEP Energy. Simply review the letter – if you are pleased with the City Electric Aggregation Plan, simply ignore that letter. No deposits are required to enroll.
When will this program start?
The City Electric Aggregation Program will begin with the July 2023 meter-read date.
What is my price?
The City of Grove City has ensured that, beginning with the July 2023 meter-read date, you will receive an electricity generation price of 7.021 cents per kWh for 24 months.
Where do I send payment?
You will continue to receive one bill each month from your local utility. The amount that you owe to AEP Energy will be stated separately on your bill and you will continue to send payments to your local utility only.
Is budget billing available?
A Budget Billing Plan is available for AEP Energy’s charges (Generation charges) for residential customers only. The Budget Billing Plan levels your monthly payments to even out the seasonal highs and lows of your monthly bills. You’ll have more certainty and can better manage your electricity expenses. Please visit www.AEPenergy.com for more information. Your local utility may also offer a Budget Billing Plan for all other charges not related to AEP Energy’s charges.
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes, you may cancel without penalty and switch to another provider or revert back to the local utility. Should you cancel your service with AEP Energy and return to standard offer service with your local utility, you may or may not be served under the same rates, terms and conditions that apply to other utility customers. At least every three years, AEP Energy will provide you notice of your ongoing right to opt out, rejoin or remain in the Grove City Electric Aggregation Program.
What happens at the end of the program?
As the program draws to a close, the City can choose to seek bids from electricity providers in order to negotiate a new contract on behalf of eligible residents and small businesses. If I opt out initially, can I choose to join the program at a later date? Yes, if you opt out initially and change your mind later on, you may join by calling AEP Energy at 1-877-726-0214 or by visiting AEPenergy.com/aggregation.
What happens if I move?
If you move to another location within the City of Grove City, you will be able to continue participating in the program. If you leave the City of Grove City, you will no longer be eligible to participate.
What is considered a small commercial business? Any eligible small business located in the community that uses less than 700,000 kWh annually can participate in the Electric Aggregation Program because they are considered to be a non-mercantile customer as defined by Ohio Administrative Code.
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy comes from sources that are constantly and sustainably replenished such as wind, solar or hydro. AEP Energy is purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates “RECs” from sources for the Grove City Electric Aggregation Program. Purchasing RECs can provide environmental benefits because they support development of renewable energy generation resources. Renewable energy resources have lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional energy resources.