In November 2014, Golf Manor voters approved “opt-out” natural gas and electric aggregation programs for the Golf Manor community.

This action by voters at the voting booth allowed for natural gas and electric customers the ability to purchase natural gas and/or electric as a group through preferred energy suppliers selected by the community. The intention of the program is to realize savings on natural gas and electric rates. It is anticipated that these rates will usually be a savings over Duke Energy Ohio standard rates although there is no guarantee of savings as a result of participation in this program.

Residents are not obligated to participate in the program and, as informed consumers, need to make their own best informed decision for their personal circumstances. The opt-out nature of the program means that eligible residents and small businesses are automatically enrolled in the program unless they take action to opt-out. You will receive a letter when renewal occurs that provides instruction on “opting out.”

There may be other programs that offer better energy rates as an alternative to this program. Sourcing those programs are up to each individual consumer.

The Village is pleased to make this program available however, understand that Golf Manor does not manage the program nor is Village staff prepared to answer any specific questions about the program, individual rates and/or savings, how natural gas or electric rates are negotiated, or how they apply to your specific situation. Inquiries about the program or questions must be directed to the Village’s aggregation consultant at 513-794-5555 or by email at ops@energyalliances.com. Their website is here: https://energyalliances.com/village-of-golf-manor.

Please visit the PUCO website to learn more about all available options. In addition, we have listed some links to other sources of information about aggregation programs:

• Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Council – Community Aggregation Program
• The Basics of Governmental Energy Aggregation (printable PDF)
• Energy Choice Ohio – What is Aggregation?
• Ohio Citizen Action – The Power of Collective Energy Purchasing

When do I have the opportunity to opt-out or enroll in the aggregation program?

Customers are automatically enrolled in the program at the time of contract renewal periods.  Duke Energy Ohio will acknowledge this enrollment with a confirmation letter advising of the impending switch. The letter will indicate the customer can change their decision to participate within seven (7) days by contacting Duke directly. Remember that aggregation customers can opt-out of either the natural gas or electric programs at any time without penalty by calling the individual energy brokers listed below. In addtion, Ohio law does require that aggregation suppliers refresh opt-out notices every 2 or 3 years depending on the service.

Are new residents automatically enrolled in the aggregation program?

No. New residents to the community will not be automatically enrolled in the aggregation program. New residents will receive standard Duke/PUCO rates for natural gas and electric or they can contact the aggregation partners at the numbers provided below to be enrolled. During contract renewal periods, all eligible customers including new residents will receive information regarding the new program rates and the opportunity to “opt out.”

How does my billing work in the aggregation program and who handles service problems?

There are no changes to how residents are billed or how services are managed. Duke Energy Ohio owns and maintains the systems that deliver natural gas and electricity to Golf Manor residents. Residents who participate in the aggregation program will still receive a single bill from Duke Energy Ohio. Customers can still participate in electronic bill pay and budget billing. Power outages, etc. should still be reported to Duke Energy Ohio at (800) 634-4300.

Why do I continue to receive offers from suppliers when I am enrolled in the aggregation program or when I have petitioned to be removed from aggregation lists?

Neither Golf Manor nor the selected energy suppliers can stop other natural gas or electric suppliers from soliciting independently for your business by mail or telephone. Providing your information, as listed below, only prevents residents from receiving solicitation regarding aggregation programs.

Does Village government receive funding as a result of my enrollment?

No. The Village of Golf Manor receives no financial benefit by offering the aggregation program. Any savings are passed along to the customers of the aggregation program.

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How can I get on the “Do Not Aggregate” list for electric aggregation?

To be excluded from receiving future opt-out notices for electric aggregation, customers may register with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to be placed on the “do not aggregate” list. There is no similar list for natural gas aggregation.

If the customer’s Duke Energy account number changes, the customer must update their request with PUCO. If a customer has multiple accounts, each account must be registered separately with PUCO. If a customer moves, even within the same utility service territory, the customer must re-register to remain on the “do not aggregate” list.

Three options are available to register with the PUCO on the “do not aggregate” list for electric aggregation.

• Complete and submit the online electronic form.
• Download and complete the printable PDF form and mail or fax it to:
  The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
  Attn: TeleText Services Division
  180 East Broad Street
  Columbus, OH 43215
  Fax: (614) 466-0313
• Call the PUCO toll-free at (800) 686-PUCO (7826). Provide your name, service address and the customer account or identification number located on the utility bill.

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Aggregation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is aggregation? Under governmental aggregation, local officials bring the community together for group purchasing power. The community benefits by receiving competitively-priced electric or natural gas from a retail natural supplier certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
2. How is my community able to choose a certified energy supplier on my behalf? Two measures appeared on the ballot in November 2014 that Golf Manor voters approved allowing the Village to select electric and natural gas energy suppliers to negotiate a contract on behalf of the residents.
3. How do I enroll? Eligible residential or small business customers are automatically enrolled.
4. Who is eligible for the aggregation program? Most residential and small business customers residing within the community receiving electric or natural gas from Duke Energy Ohio are eligible.
5. Who is not eligible? Residential and business customers not eligible for automatic enrollment in the program generally include:
   • A customer that is not located within the boundaries of the Village of Golf Manor.
   • Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP) customers.
   • A customer who is under contract with another natural gas provider.
   • A customer who has a special contract with the natural gas utility company.
   • Customers who are behind on their payments to the utility.
   • A mercantile customer that has not provided consent to join the program. “Mercantile customer” means a commercial or industrial customer if the electric or natural gas consumed is for non-residential use and the customer consumes more than the allowed amount or is part of a national account involving multiple facilities in one or more states.
6. Is there a cost to enroll? No. There is no charge any enrollment or switching fees.
7. When will I see my new rate? You can expect to see the new rate one to two billing cycles following your enrollment in the program. Please note: supply rates do not include taxes, delivery service charges or other utility fees.
8. Who will bill me for electric or natural gas? You will continue to receive one monthly bill from Duke Energy.
9. Can I still have my payment automatically deducted from my checking account as I do now? Yes, how you make your payment to Duke Energy will not change.
10. Who is responsible for delivery of electric or natural gas to my home or business? Duke Energy will continue to deliver eletctric or natural gas to your home or business.
11. Who do I call if I have a problem with my service? To report service problems, a gas leak, electric outages and for billing questions, you will continue to contact Duke Energy.
12. What if I have already selected another electric or natural gas supplier? If you recenty signed up with a new supplier, carefully review the terms and conditions of that agreement before proceeding as your ability to terminate early with that supplier may be restricted.
13. Is there an early termination fee for leaving the Golf Manor aggregation program outside of the 21 day opt-out period? No, there is no early termination fee.
14. Who do I contact if I have questions about either energy aggregation program? If you have questions about the program call the respective companies directly at the contact information provided.