Electric Aggregation Program in Springfield Township
In March of 2009, Township officials established a low fixed rate for electric supply. Eligible residents and small businesses in the Township's electric program supplied by Dominion Retail will pay a fixed rate of 6.88 cents per kWh. This fixed rate will be for the billing months of June 2009 through January 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know if I can save money in this Program?
The Price to Compare (PTC) is shown on Duke’s bill, and is an indicator of the rate for electric generation supply that the average customer is paying Duke Energy. The average customer would avoid paying Duke that amount if they switch electric generation suppliers, and thus if the competitive supplier’s price is less, the customer saves the difference. However, customers who use more than 1,000 kWh per month in the winter months (Oct-May) will tend to have a lower-than average Price to Compare, while customers using more than 1000 kWh per month in the summer months (June-September) will tend to have a higher than average PTC. In addition to this seasonal consideration, other components of Duke’s PTC change quarterly. Thus Duke’s PTC is unknown beyond the current quarter, while Dominion Retail’s price is fi xed. The amount you will save over the term of the contract is unknown because Duke’s price is unknown, but we believe that with the program price of 6.88 cents/kWh you stand a very good chance of saving over the life of the program, in addition to the peace of mind of knowing that your rate will not go up.
Is everyone eligible?
No. By law certain accounts are not permitted to be included in an opt-out governmental aggregation program. You are not eligible if you: participate in the PIPP program, are a mercantile customer, are in arrears with bill payment, or live outside our community boundaries. Eligibility has been further limited to those with an estimated annual price to compare of at least 6.88 cents/kWh.
Will I notice any changes in my electric service?
No. Duke will continue to deliver the electricity to your home or business, read your meter, issue you a bill and respond to service related issues. Th e only change you will see is Dominion Retail will appear on your bill as the generation supplier.
Why do I have to opt-out if I don’t want to participate?
There are two types of programs in Ohio, opt-in and opt-out. Opt-out programs have much higher enrollment levels, enabling suppliers to pass on lower rates. The voters passed a ballot initiative authorizing an opt-out program.
Can I leave the Program at a later date?
Yes. We have negotiated favorable terms and conditions on your behalf, one of which is the right to leave the program at any time for any reason without having to pay a penalty.
Who is Dominion Retail?
Dominion Retail is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia and is part of the publicly traded Dominion Resources. They serve about 1,000,000 retail electricity and natural gas customers in competitive markets in 11 states, and have been the supplier to numerous governmental aggregations in Ohio.
Can I keep my budget billing with Duke?
Yes, nothing changes. The process for budget billing continues to be handled by Duke.
Is my price for electricity fixed or will it vary?
Unlike Duke’s variable rates that can change every quarter and have price differences for summer/winter seasons, your rate is fixed at 6.88 cents/kWh through your January 2011 bill. It’s guaranteed that your price for generation supply will not go up.
Will I get a separate bill from Dominion?
No. For your convenience, you will continue to receive only one bill from Duke. It will show Duke’s delivery charges and the electric generation supply charge from Dominion. You will pay your bill to Duke as you always have.
Is there any cost to join the Program?
No. It is free to join and there is no cost to leave at any time.
Is this related to our community’s natural gas program?
The programs are similar but totally independent. The natural gas program has been a success and many families and small businesses are participating. The electric and gas programs, however, have different suppliers and are on different time lines. You do not have to belong to one to participate in the other.
What if I still have questions?
Please contact Dominion Retail at 1-866-535-9518. Their trained call center staff is standing by to answer questions Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can also learn more about aggregation programs by visiting the PUCO’s website www.puco.com or the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel at www.pickocc.org. You may also call Springfield Township for information at 522-1410.
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