Trustee and administrator warn residents about rising retail gas costs and changes to Duke Energy standard-service offer

Trustee Davis used his trustee remarks to spotlight repeated community complaints that retail gasoline prices inside Delhi Township are consistently higher than nearby areas. He described examples of price differences and urged residents to call a state helpline (1-800-282-0515) or file complaints online if they suspect unconscionable pricing.

"To me, charging 40, 45 cents more to the residents of Delhi... is unconscionable," Trustee Davis said, urging residents to support local businesses and report pricing concerns.

Township Administrator Miller then provided a longer update on local energy aggregation, saying Duke Energy plans a new standard-service offer that will operate more like a middleman and add a 42¢ per CCF administrative surcharge to gas supply. Miller said the township’s opt-out aggregation program—created by voter approval in 2014—will be renewed in October and will likely offer a better rate than Duke’s new model because the aggregation does not include the 42¢ surcharge.

"If you are on Duke, it could go potentially month to month... they're automatically gonna add a 42¢ surcharge to cover their costs," Miller said, and he advised residents to either remain on the township aggregation or actively shop for a supplier.

Why it matters: The change could raise household gas bills for customers who stay with Duke as supplier. The township's aggregation program is expected to produce savings on supply relative to Duke's new offer, but residents must opt-out if they prefer other suppliers.

What comes next: Administrator Miller said the aggregation renewal is scheduled for October and that residents can shop independently or remain on the aggregation; no immediate board action was taken at the meeting.