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Madison Twp. sets public meetings on utility ballot issues
(by Linda Dillman, Staff Writer - October 12, 2012)
Madison Township voters will face a pair of ballot issues on Nov. 6 which would give the trustees permission to explore utility options in lowering bills for residents.
Issue 41 is a resolution to allow the township to create an electric aggregation program, potentially as early as January. Issue 42 would create a similar program for gas aggregation, although its rollout would be later because of market conditions.
Ohio law allows for communities to form aggregated buying groups to purchase electric generation and transmission on behalf of citizens. The aggregation affords better buying power and entities can negotiate a better price with a supplier than individuals.
If the issues are approved by voters, residents do not need to do anything to join the program if trustees decide to move forward with an agreement. However, anyone who does not want to participate can opt-out and remain with their current utility.
The township has scheduled public information meetings on Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Community Center, 4575 Madison Lane, Groveport, to discuss the program.
"Reynoldsburg has a similar program for their residents," said Scott Belcastro, who presented information on the program. "It's a good program to be a part of and it doesn't mean you have to move forward. It's structured such that you are guaranteed savings off of your current rates."
The township recently switched electric suppliers to save money and hopes to do the same for citizens living in the unincorporated areas of the township. Brobst previously said, although residents living in the southern end of the township would vote on the issue, they receive their electricity through South Central Power, which is a co-op and provides rates lower than surrounding carriers.
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