LORDSTOWN Electricity provider offers plan to village

Customers can stay with Ohio Edison if they want.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LORDSTOWN -- Residents will be hearing how a new electric company can provide an average of 4-percent savings.
First Energy Solutions Corp., based in Akron, was the sole bidder last month to the village's call for new electricity providers.
Voters approved in November joining a consortium to seek better prices, explained Councilman Richard Biggs.
Ohio Edison now provides the service to the village and that practice can continue, Biggs said, adding residents who don't want to participate in the aggregate can stay with Ohio Edison."
Those who do not inform officials they want to stay with OE will automatically be switched to the new provider.
The deregulation of utilities in recent years has allowed municipalities to search for better rates from competing companies.
Only alternative
First Energy, which provides electricity in Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states, was the only company willing to compete and provide an alternative in the village.
In its bid, First Energy said it could save customers an average of 4 percent on their monthly bills.
No starting date for the new service has been determined, but Biggs said residents will get a chance to hear about the company at public meetings.
"They will hold meetings and tell people what they can provide, how they can provide it and at what cost they will provide it," he said.
Residents will be notified about the meetings.
Under the agreement, First Energy would provide electricity for a two-year period, which could automatically extend another two years if both parties agree.
First Energy also has the right to subcontract the services to a third party, but would still be liable for services provided in the village.
slshaulis@vindy.com