St. Bernard council adopts natural gas aggregation resolution; electric opt‑out deadline noted

St. Bernard Village Council voted unanimously on May 28 to adopt Resolution No. 7, 2026, authorizing the village to enter into a natural gas aggregation agreement with a supplier recommended by Energy Alliances, the village's energy consultant.

At the meeting, Dan Deeders of Energy Alliances explained that Duke Energy shifted to a standard service offer procurement and described supplier adders that can affect monthly gas bills (he cited an example 42¢ adder). He said the village consortium is negotiating supplier pricing in the mid‑50s¢ per CCF range and projected winter discounts versus Duke's rates, and recommended authorizing the city manager to finalize the gas aggregation agreement to allow an August program start.

Council also heard that opt‑out letters for the electric aggregation program were mailed beginning May 22; most residents will be automatically enrolled unless they opt out. The letter lists June 12, 2026, as the opt‑out deadline for enrollment before the program begins, though residents may opt out at any time during the contract with no penalty. Mr. Morton and finance committee members reiterated opt‑out methods (online, phone or mail) and provided a village FAQ URL.

Resolution No. 7 was read, the council suspended additional readings and adopted the resolution by recorded vote (six ayes, no nays).