What is
natural gas aggregation?
Natural Gas
Aggregation allows a group of consumers to combine their utility usage to form
a buying group. The buying group, with its greater bargaining power, may be
able to secure lower or more stable natural gas prices in today’s competitive
market.
Historically,
In recent years,
the major gas utilities have allowed first their industrial and commercial
customers, and then their residential customers, to buy gas from an alternate
supplier, if they wish to do so. These programs are called Gas Transportation
when they refer to industrial and large commercial customers, and CHOICE, when
they refer to residential and small commercial customers. Under the CHOICE
programs, the local gas utility still delivers natural gas to homes and
businesses, responds to emergency calls, reads meters, and operates and
maintains its natural gas distribution system. Natural gas CHOICE is similar to
the long-distance telephone service choice you may have available. You can
choose from many long distance providers, but the service still arrives over
the same local telephone lines.
Over one million
Ohioans have already selected alternate natural gas suppliers through CHOICE
programs. The primary reason has been savings on energy costs with no change in
service quality. Now, with Natural Gas Aggregation, even more consumers will be
able to enjoy lower energy costs.
What is
the AMPO, Inc. Natural Gas Aggregation Program??
The AMPO, Inc
Natural Gas Aggregation Program is actually your local aggregation program,
designed to meet the needs of your community. AMPO, Inc, a subsidiary of
American Municipal Power (AMP-Ohio), provides expert assistance in establishing
gas aggregation programs to benefit local consumers
For nearly 30
years, AMP-Ohio has successfully negotiated favorable energy supply and service
arrangements on behalf of communities just like yours. When your community
chooses AMPO, Inc. to assist in developing a gas aggregation program, you can
be assured of unbiased analysis and personal service from people who have been
meeting the unique needs of communities large and small for a long time.
Who is
eligible to participate in gas aggregation?
Your community
can set up a gas aggregation program as long as your local gas utility is an
“open access” gas utility. Presently the gas utilities in
Once the program
is in place, residential customers are included in gas aggregation. To be
eligible individually, you must be current on your account with your local gas
utility. Non-profit organizations or commercial customers and municipal
facilities with annual natural gas consumption of not more than 500 Mcf, and not more than three locations in
Is there
a fee to enroll in a gas aggregation program?
There is
typically no cost to enroll in a gas aggregation program. However, if you are
already using an alternative gas supplier under an existing CHOICE program, you
may have to pay a “switching fee” to your existing supplier or local utility,
if you cancel your existing supply contract early.
How do I
enroll in the program once it becomes available in my community?
If your
community passes opt-out legislation, information will be mailed to all
eligible customers, but they will not have to do anything to participate in the
program. They are automatically enrolled unless they choose to “opt-out.”
If your
community chooses an opt-in program, then there are typically several ways to
enroll. 1) Complete and return an enrollment form by mail; 2) Call a toll free
number that is provided with the program enrollment materials, or; 3) Complete
an enrollment form on-line at a web address provided with the program
enrollment materials.
Normally the
alternate gas supply company will complete the transfer of natural gas service
with the local gas utility. You will see no change in service, delivery or
billing, all of which continue to be handled by your local gas utility.
What is
the term of the agreement with the alternate supplier?
The initial term
of the agreement with the alternate supplier can vary between communities, but
is typically two years or more. At the end of the initial term, you can usually
continue in the program under the terms and conditions offered at that time.
After the initial term, if you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return
to your local gas utility’s regulated service or select another approved
natural gas supplier. The choice is yours.
How soon
can I enroll in the program once it is available in my community?
Enrollment
periods will vary with each community. Information on enrollment, costs and
enrollment periods will be well advertised with direct mail and newspaper
advertising.
What if
I'm on a budget payment plan?
Since the local
gas utility still issues the entire bill, you may continue on the budget
payment plan of your existing company.
Can I
still use an automatic bill payment service?
Yes. Since your
local gas utility still issues the entire bill, you can continue to use their
automatic bill payment service.
Where
can I get additional information on natural gas aggregation?
Additional
information on natural gas aggregation can be obtained by contacting the
following links: Click
Here