Trumbull voters may save on utilities

staff report

WARREN — The Trumbull County commissioners are looking to place two issues on the November ballot that if approved could reduce the cost of natural gas and electricity to those living in townships.

Commissioner Paul Heltzel said Tuesday during a commissioners’ work session that if voters approve the issues it could result in a savings of 5 percent on gas and electric charges.

An issue that would allow the county to enter an aggregation program was defeated in November 2002 by a vote of 19,976 to 16,348, said the Trumbull County Board of Elections.

If approved by voters this time, the county would enter into an agreement with the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, or NOPEC, which purchases the utilities at a discount because it deals in volume.

NOPEC has 1.4 million customers in 11 states, 410,000 of which are in Ohio. Warren, Newton Falls and Liberty Township are among the current members.

NOPEC purchases natural gas and electricity from Dominion Retail, an affiliate of Dominion East Ohio Gas but not the same company.

If homeowners and owners of small businesses sign up with NOPEC, they can opt out of the agreement one time or after every two-year period without penalty, according to NOPEC.