Officials consider gas-purchasing programs

Residents could save between $62 and $182 annually.
GIRARD -- City officials are considering entering into a natural gas agreement in an effort to save residents and the city money on fuel costs.
Thomas M. Bellish, Buckeye Energy Brokers Inc., spoke to council about the company's programs Monday. He said the city could agree to an opt-in program or an-opt out program.
Opt-in or opt-out
Bellish told city leaders that under the opt-in program, Buckeye Energy of Twinsburg would contact natural gas suppliers and negotiate a contract and deregulated price for gas.
Residents would then be given the option of participating in the program after learning the terms of the contract.
The opt-out, gas program, Bellish said, would require voter approval on the November ballot. Public hearings must be held and proper notification given to residents.
If approved, all residents automatically would be placed in the program unless they opt out.
Bellish supplied information to council stating that residents could save between $60 and $182 annually, and the city could save between $224,000 to $672,000 annually in the opt-out program.
The information said residential savings in the opt-in program could be same as in the opt-out program, but savings to the city would be between $37,000 and $112,000. There was no explanation about the disparity in the city savings.
There is no cost to the city to join either program.
Mayoral choice
Mayor James Melfi said the best plan for the city would likely be the opt-in program.
"Obviously what is best for our citizens is an opt-in program because by time this would go to the ballot and voted in they would not realize much savings," he said. "If we go with an opt-in program at least we can offer our citizens another choice."
Members of council's utilities committee will meet and review the information supplied by Bellish. The committee will make a recommendation to council in the near future.