Council signals support to place electric and gas aggregation on ballot for voter approval

Plain City councilors discussed whether to ask voters to approve a municipal electric and gas aggregation program that would let the village purchase supply on behalf of residents and businesses.

Staff reported follow-up comparisons of supplier rates and an “apples-to-apples” chart showing current offers from regional aggregation programs. Councilors reviewed examples: a Madison County aggregation rate shown in the packet was 0.0611 (about $51 per month for a 1,000 kWh household on the packet’s example), while the village’s current utility supply was reported at roughly 0.0743 and expected to rise this summer to approximately 0.0997 per kWh under the utility’s summer supply charge. Other community rates mentioned in the staff packet included London at 0.0464 and a Concord figure around 0.0915.

Staff explained the municipal process: if the council passes an ordinance placing aggregation on the ballot and files it with the board of elections, no signatures are required. If the measure appears on a November general-election ballot, staff said there is typically no additional filing fee. Council members discussed opt‑out mechanics and voter outreach; staff emphasized that aggregation is optional for customers and that residents could opt out at any time if a program is established.

Councilors asked that communications be prepared so voters can understand the option, and several members said they favored moving to an ordinance for placement on a ballot but wanted further discussion when staff returns with a draft ordinance. The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting.

Ending: Staff will prepare an ordinance, a one‑page explanation for residents and additional rate comparisons and return to council for another discussion and formal action.