Natural Gas Aggregation Update
You should have recently received an opt-out notice from AEP Energy about the Township’s natural gas aggregation program for the upcoming year.
Through a competitive bidding process, the Township secured a fixed rate of $0.6499 per Ccf with AEP Energy, effective through the October 2026 billing cycle. (The current program rate, expiring this October, is $0.5894 per Ccf.) The initial opt-out period ends Monday. As a consumer, you can decide to either stay in the program, which means do nothing and you’ll automatically receive the fixed rate through October 2026, or opt out and explore other suppliers. In any case, you may leave and join the program at any time, without penalty.
If you have not received a notice by mail, contact Duke Energy to check whether you are already under contract with another provider. You may also request to be placed on the PUCO Do Not Aggregate List: PUCO Do Not Aggregate List
Is Aggregation Right for You?
Only you can decide what’s best for your household. Aggregation offers:
- A stable, fixed rate through October 2026
- No hidden fees or early termination charges
- Convenience and peace of mind
At the same time, some suppliers listed on the Ohio Energy Choice website may advertise lower rates. Be sure to read the fine print—those offers may:
- Be introductory or promotional rates
- Include monthly service fees
- Change after a short period and require you to stay with them in the future or face an early termination fee.
Why can’t the Township get the rates offered on Energy Choice?
The simple answer is because of the nature of large-scale aggregation like we are, many of those suppliers will not bid or offer rates to us because they don’t have the ability to deliver the required quantity of natural gas.
Duke’s “Price to Compare” also shifts monthly. Current forecasts suggest it may rise to over $0.78 per Ccf during the peak heating season.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Aggregation works for many residents who value stability and convenience, but you may decide another option better fits your needs. you have a choice.
Questions can be directed to the Township or Energy Alliances (a Sycamore Township company), the consultant that manages our aggregation program.
Chat with them on their website: Sycamore Township (Hamilton Co) — Energy Alliances