Staff report

AUSTINTOWN — Township officials have announced they have established a 24-month fixed-rate of $3.73 per Mcf for natural gas for program members.

The new rate will run through the October 2026 billing cycle. Residents and small commercial customers can expect a letter from IGS Energy to arrive this week. The letter will explain the rate, terms and conditions of the offer. The natural gas aggregation program was approved by voters in November 2006 and is available for residents and small businesses in the township.

The fixed-rate will give them price protection and budget stability for the next term. As before, the program has no early termination fee.

Eric Burns, director of Aggregation of Independent Energy Consultants, said, “Residents and businesses should carefully read their letter from IGS Energy. Residents who are currently participating in the program will receive an ‘opt-out’ and do not need to take any action to remain in the program. Residents who have not chosen a supplier and receive their gas supply from Enbridge Gas Ohio (fka Dominion Energy Ohio) also will receive an ‘opt-out’ letter. If they wish to be added to the program, they should simply do nothing and they will automatically receive the new rate.”

Trustees are reminding residents that the aggregation program is another option for them to consider, and it is important that residents are aware of the other options available, specifically:

● The Public Utility Commission of Ohio provides a list of other publicly available offers on its website, www.energychoice.ohio.gov. Anyone considering those supply offers should be aware of any early termination penalties, fixed monthly charges, or automatic renewal provisions that can quickly offset any perceived savings. The IGS program includes none of the above.

● The utility’s supply rate the Standard Choice Offer (SCO) is a variable rate option. It follows monthly market conditions and trends up and down throughout the year.

Township officials are asking that residents do not call the township offices about the program because it is not equipped to handle a large volume of calls. Residents should contact IGS Energy toll free at 1-877-353-0162 if they have any questions.