Local coalition has deal to save on natural gas

Residents of 9 areas to pay about $9 a year less

The Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition has negotiated a new natural gas contract with an alternative gas provider that will save the coalition residents about $9 a year on their gas bills over the next two years.

If residents want to be covered by the new natural gas contract, they need do nothing.

The coalition of nine area communities that buys natural gas in bulk to help residents save on their heating bills plans to send opt-out notices to its residents in two to three weeks.

If residents want to be covered by the new contract, they need do nothing.

If they wish to choose their own gas provider, they must fill out the opt-out card and return it.

Mark Frye, the coalition’s energy consultant, said the coalition has decided to continue obtaining gas from Volunteer Energy Services Inc. of Pickerington, Ohio.

The new contract runs from May 17 through April, 2019. The current contract, which saved residents $12 to $17 over two years, expires at the end of next month.

Under the new deal, customers will pay two cents less on the state-approved service fee that accompanies the standard Columbia Gas of Ohio bill.

Starting in April, Columbia Gas’ bills will be based on the monthly closing price of gas per 100 cubic feet on the Nymex market, plus a 14.5 cent state fee, known as an “adder.”

Mr. Frye said the $9-a-year savings is based on normal winters and gas usage. Overall, the coalition expects to save $700,000 a year that will be spread among its 40,000 to 45,000 households.

The coalition includes Toledo, Lucas County, Sylvania, Maumee, Holland, Perrysburg, Lake Township, Oregon, and Ottawa Hills.

Contact Jon Chavez at: jchavez@theblade.com or 419-724-6128.