Boardman trustees secure natural gas rate for year

Residents must notify the company to join and receive the rate.

STAFF REPORT

BOARDMAN — Township trustees have established a 12-month fixed rate for natural gas for township residents who choose to opt-in to the aggregation program.

Residents who want to join the township’s program will see a fixed rate of $9.29 per Mcf, per 1,000 cubic feet, for gas consumed during the period of November 2008 through October 2009. IGS Energy of Columbus is the township’s endorsed supplier.

“Residents should expect to receive a notice from IGS Energy in the last week of October,” said Jason Loree, township administrator. “The notice will explain the rate, terms and conditions, and various means of enrolling in the township’s aggregation program.”

Residents must notify the company in order to enroll in the program and may call (800) 280-4474. Additional contact information will be included in the letter expected to be delivered later this month.

Trustees have talked about an opt-out program that must be approved by voters but didn’t take action to place it on the November ballot. With an opt-out, residents are enrolled in the program and receive the rate unless they notify the company that they don’t want to participate.

The board may decide to place it on the ballot in spring 2009, Loree said.

“In the meantime, we’re trying to have something for ... now, and we came up with the opt-in,” he said.

Mark Burns, president of Independent Energy Consultants Inc. of Aurora, said it’s been a “volatile year for natural-gas prices and this excellent rate comes just in time for the winter heating season.”

Doug Austin, vice president of IGS Energy said residents should be aware of the obligations in existing contracts before joining because some suppliers charge a penalty for early termination.

Because the township isn’t equipped to handle a large volume of calls, residents should contact IGS at (800) 280-4474 with questions and not call township offices.

Loree said that the township also is working to try to secure a rate for electricity for residents.