Currently, Oakwood does not have its own natural gas aggregation program; however, it is a member of MVCC, which is in the process of developing an aggregation program for natural gas. As an MVCC member community, Oakwood is permitted to join this program. The advantage of joining MVCC is the larger group size, which gives additional bargaining leverage due to economies of scale.

MVCC’s program is primarily offered on an OPT-OUT basis, which means residents in participating communities are automatically enrolled in the program unless they take affirmative steps to opt out. However, communities may also join on an OPT-IN basis, meaning that no one is enrolled automatically; they must enroll themselves. Oakwood City Council has discussed this extensively in work sessions and believes that the best approach for our City is to join on an OPT-IN basis. In this way, individual residents will make their own deliberate choice on whether to: 1) opt into the MVCC program; 2) stay with the “standard choice offer”; or 3) choose their own third-party supplier.

In order to join the MVCC program, state law requires Council to hold two public hearings and approve the Plan of Operation and Governance for the MVCC natural gas aggregation program. The first public hearing was held earlier this evening at a special Council meeting. The second public hearing and vote on the resolution will be held now during our regular session meeting. Notice of the hearing was provided as required by law.

Mayor Duncan reviewed the procedure for the hearing and shared that Mr. Jacques will be administering an oath to those in the audience wishing to testify.

Mr. Jacques administered an oath to Mr. Dysard.

Mayor Duncan invited Mr. Dysard to comment briefly on the MVCC aggregation program. Mr. Dysard is affiliated with Palmer Energy, an energy consulting firm that is collaborating with MVCC to develop this initiative.

Mr. Dysard provided an overview of the natural gas aggregation program. He outlined that governmental aggregation serves as an efficient mechanism for a collective group of consumers to realize savings on their gas expenses. Under Ohio law, communities are permitted to establish aggregated buying groups, enabling them to negotiate more advantageous pricing with suppliers than individual members could achieve separately. Oakwood City Council has determined that the optimal approach for the City is to adopt an opt-in model, ensuring that participation is voluntary and no residents will be automatically enrolled. While specific details are still being finalized, there are discussions regarding a fixed pricing term of 20 months. Mr. Dysard highly recommended that residents consult their current gas provider to understand the terms and conditions surrounding termination, as well as any potential fees or charges that may apply. The aggregation program does not impose a termination fee, allowing participants to exit the program at their discretion without incurring any costs.

Mayor Duncan then asked if Mr. Dysard anticipates completing the process before the end of the calendar year.

Mr. Dysard confirmed that he does foresee the process being concluded by that time.

Mayor Duncan opened the public hearing.

There were no visitors to testify so Mayor Duncan closed the public hearing.

Thereupon, it was moved by Mrs. Turben and seconded by Vice Mayor Byington that the resolution be passed.

Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:

There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said resolution was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.