MOUNT VERNON — Residents of the city of Mount Vernon will have a small window of opportunity to take advantage of a reduced rate for electric aggregation in an opt-in program that is different from the ballot measure that was approved by voters last week.
In the next day or two, a phone number and web address will be released to allow electric consumers in the city to participate in the reduced rate program that will save consumers 9 percent on electric generation, transmission and distribution charges. A detailed letter with a plan of operation will be sent out next week to residents by Buckeye Energy. The letter will also include the city’s logo so that residents will know it is regarding the city’s program. Residents will have until Dec. 15 to join the program.
According to Finance and Budget Committee Chairman Bruce Hawkins, residents who do not participate in the opt-in program will have to wait up to three years before the opt-out program, which was approved by voters, will be available to the city.
American Electric Power of Ohio has proposed that only a percentage of its customers be permitted to join in electric aggregation programs each year. This year, only 21 percent will be allowed in a savings plan. Tom Bellish, the city’s representative from Buckeye Energy, said residents should not have much trouble making the cut but encourages them to join the plan as soon as possible.
“The 21 percent (cap) still comes into play,” Bellish said. “It is at 10 percent now and by Dec. 15, it should still be fine but people should not wait if they are interested.”