The city of Columbus has taken one of biggest steps towards sustainability this year, by putting community choice aggregation on the 2020 Ballot. Not only is this aggregation program aimed to have competitive pricing for its residents, but its goal is also to have 100% renewable energy by 2022. 

So, what do we know exactly about aggregation programs and what they offer?

Governmental Aggregation can often be called community aggregation, municipal aggregation, or in this case community choice aggregation. This concept came together after S.B. 3 was implemented and deregulation began in 2001.Deregulation would allow for a more competitive energy market, thus giving residents more options. Community choice aggregation then comes into play, by acting as one large customer. The City of Columbus (the large customer) will then negotiate on behalf of all the residents within the program, to execute a contract that best meets the goals for its residents. The City will consider many factors which will include feedback from the community, prices, energy source, terms, the supplier etc. All of which will result in an agreement for the program and its constituents.

Furthermore, the aggregation program will only be in effect if the people of the City vote yes for it to pass this November 3^rd election. Voting yes for the program to be in place does not mean you are required to participate in the program, it simply means you agree that a program is in place. The program will be an Opt-Out program (no fee required) which means only eligible residents will be enrolled automatically into the program

Here are some important questions voters may ask themselves:

What makes you an eligible resident? If you are NOT currently on another program or under a separate contract with a third-party supplier, are the two most common factors that makes up an eligible customer.

What happens if I do want to participate in the program, but I am not eligible? To participate in the program, you will need to leave your current contract before enrolling into the aggregation program.

 Are there any fees to Join? There are absolutely no fees to join the community choice aggregation program, but there may be fees to leave your current contract if you have a third-party supplier.

What if I want to leave to program? You are not obligated to stay in the program. There are zero early termination fees. Meaning you can leave the program at any time at no cost.

To find out more about this issue please Visit https://cleanenergycolumbus.org/process or contact Trebel