Village of Rio Grande

Natural Gas Aggregation is on the Ballot

SOPEC is pleased to announce that there will be an opt-out natural gas aggregation ballot measure on the November 2024 General Election for voters living in the Village of Rio Grande, Ohio.

As a public organization, SOPEC is prohibited from persuading voters how to vote. However, SOPEC is committed to helping voters understand natural gas aggregation by providing valuable education before they vote.

Have questions? Email us (support@sopec-oh.gov) or call us at (740) 597-7955. We have yard signs!

What will I see on my ballot?

Natural Gas Aggregation

Shall the Village of RIO GRANDE have the authority to aggregate the retail natural Gas loads located within the incorporated areas of the Village, and FOR THAT purpose, enter into service agreements to facilitate for those loads the sale and purchase of natural Gas, such aggregation to occur automatically except where any person elects to opt-out, in accordance with section 4929.26 of the Ohio revised code?

YES = I WILL ALLOW AGGREGATION | NO = I WILL NOT ALLOW AGGREGATION

Important Dates to Remember

  • Deadline to register to vote: October 7, 2024

  • Early voting: Begins October 8, 2024

  • Absentee: Request your absentee ballot by October 29, 2024 | Request an Absentee Ballot.

  • Mail in absentee ballots: Postmarked by November 4, 2024

  • Election day: November 5, 2024 (absentee ballots can still be returned in person to your board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on election day)

Overview

According to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), natural gas aggregation is when a group of customers joins together to form a single, larger customer that buys natural gas for its members. A large buying group may be able to get better terms for the group members than you could get on your own. This “buying power” may also allow aggregators (like SOPEC) to negotiate for additional benefits for the group’s members such as consolidated billing, energy management services and energy use analysis.

Once aggregated, your community can select a supplier to serve eligible accounts and adopt a plan for an opt-out aggregation program. If adopted, you can choose to not participate (opt-out) without any fees. Your local utility would still handle billing, regular maintenance, and delivery of the natural gas to your home.

SOPEC is a regional council of governments serving thousands of Ohioans, including Village of Rio Grande and the CIty of Gallipolis for electric aggregation, in 38 member communities/political subdivisions across Ohio. SOPEC is governed by the members it serves. 

Aggregation does not affect: 

  • Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP),

  • those who have already signed a supply contract, 

  • large industrial customers, and

  • anyone who has opted out of the program.