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1. Who is the natural gas supplier for the City's program?

Constellation won a competitive proposal process and was selected to serve our community’s program. The program will run through the April 2024 bill cycle. Constellation is certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and currently supplies customers and governmental aggregation programs across Ohio.

2. What is my price for gas?

A low fixed rate of $2.835/Mcf will take effect for gas flow April 2020 through March 2024. This rate compares very favorably to offers residents can find on their own and unlike many offers, our program has no penalty if you decide to leave early.

3. Will it cost me to join the program?

No. Enrollment in the program is free and you need not take any action. You only need to be eligible to participate.

4. Is everyone eligible for the program?

No, by law there are certain limitations on eligibility. All of the current participants in our community's program will receive a notice of the new program rates, terms and conditions and continue to be eligible. Newly eligible residents or businesses must be located within the community limits. Furthermore, they must have received an Opt-Out Notice from Constellation. Here are the criteria for new member eligibility:

• Your local utility company must be Dominion Energy Ohio
• You must not have chosen a supplier on your own
• You must be a resident or business owner located within the community limits
• You must not be a Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) customer
• You must not be in arrears on your bill payment
• You must not be a mercantile customer (natural gas commercial accounts using over 500 Mcf per year)

5. When does the new rate start?

Customer switching takes place when meters are read. Therefore, your start date for the new rate will depend on when Dominion Energy Ohio (DEO) reads your meter. Your service from Constellation is expected to begin with gas flowing in April 2020 (May 2020 bill cycle).

6. How long is the program?

The community’s Governmental Aggregation Program can go on indefinitely. The offer from Constellation is for four years and will end with your April 2024 billing cycle. The rate through your April 2024 billing cycle will be $2.835/Mcf.

7. What if I don't want to participate?

While most residents will remain in, and benefit from, Governmental Aggregation Programs, the choice is up to you. If you do not want to participate you will have 21 days in which to return a reply card to Constellation or call them toll-free at 1-844-467-4303. If you fail to do that, Constellation will enroll you as a new customer. Dominion Energy Ohio (DEO) will acknowledge the enrollment and send you a confirmation letter reminding you of the pending switch. That letter will mention that you can cancel the switch by contacting DEO within 7 days.

8. Does our community benefit from the program?

Yes. Our eligible community-owned facilities will be included in the program.

9. Can I exit this program without penalty?

Yes. A very attractive feature of our program is your ability to leave free of charge at any time for any reason. There are several "formal" opportunities to take yourself out of the program. 

First, when an offer is presented you will have 21-days to opt-out by returning a card to Constellation or making a toll-free phone call. If you do not opt-out Dominion Energy Ohio (DEO) will then send to new members a confirmation notice giving you 7 more days to cancel the switch. Furthermore, by law, you will be able to leave without penalty at least every two years.

10. My friend lives in a nearby community and has a different rate from Constellation than mine. Why?

Natural gas prices are highly volatile. Market rates change often and quickly. Price differences between communities will vary based primarily on the contract term and the dates on which pricing was secured for the community.

11. What happens if I'm part of the program and I move?

A resident moving within the same community can stay in the aggregation by providing Constellation with their new address. If a resident moves out of the community or does not provide Constellation their new address, their participation will end and no early termination fee will apply.

12. Is this related to our community's electric program?

The programs are similar but totally independent. The electric and gas programs have different suppliers and are on different time lines. You do not have to belong to one to participate in the other.

13. This sounds complex. Is our community qualified to handle such a program?

We have retained Independent Energy Consultants, Inc, a Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) certified broker and aggregator of electric and natural gas, without using any taxpayer money. They have designed, implemented, and administered similar successful gas and electric programs that impact over 100 communities across Ohio. We will have their assistance and that of Constellation throughout the program.

14. These FAQs help but I still have a question?

If you have additional questions please call Constellation at 1-844-467-4303, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For general information on natural gas deregulation in Ohio, you can visit the websites of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel website, or the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio website. Please do not contact our offices. We are pleased to have made this program possible but are not prepared to handle calls.