Communities to vote on measures giving them choice on utilities

Voters in Lisbon, Lordstown and Trumbull County townships will vote Nov. 5 on measures officials say will result in lower electric rates.
Residents will still be able to pick among several companies to serve their homes or businesses.
However, if these measures are approved, residents who do not indicate a personal preference will be automatically switched to an electric company chosen by city or county officials.
Officials say they will be able to negotiate with electric companies for rates about 4 percent better than what individual customers can get on their own.
"We are giving voters a choice," said Michael O'Brien, a Trumbull County commissioner.
The measure placed on the ballot by Trumbull County commissioners for voters in all townships is similar to a measure passed by Warren city voters in May, and to a measure going before the villages of Lordstown and Lisbon voters in November.
In Columbiana County
Generally, rates in Columbiana County are favorable, which has led most communities not to seek voter approval to negotiate electrical rates, said Kevin Brooks, Lisbon administrator.
Lisbon, with a population of about 3,000, is pursuing the issue because officials there believe rates "can always be better," Brooks said.
No one would be forced to accept service as part of an agreement negotiated by the village, but he estimated savings could average between $10 and $20 a month for residential users.
Lordstown residents would be switched to FirstEnergy and realize what the company projects as a 4 percent reduction in monthly bills.
They would be allowed to change to a different provider, officials say.