Oxford Environmental Commission discusses new electric aggregation program, city updates
The program offers residents a slightly cheaper renewable energy option.
Oxford residents now have a cheaper option for 100% renewable electricity through the city’s new electric aggregation program.
New electric aggregation program
An in-depth presentation on the new electric aggregation program was presented by Reena Murphy, sustainability coordinator for the City of Oxford, to the environmental commission.
Last June, the City of Oxford switched to an electric aggregation program with Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC) with the goal of saving money for residents. The program officially started in January and has supplied residents with 100% renewable energy. Eligible residents and small businesses were automatically opted in to the program.
“It should give us more buying power for lower rates, and then on top of that, SOPEC provides annual grants to member communities,” Murphy said.
SOPEC chose electricity provider American Electric Power (AEP) Ohio for Oxford’s aggregation program, and will negotiate new rates again when the contract ends this June.
According to Murphy, the new program has saved members money, providing a cost-effective option for Oxford residents. AEP Ohio offers a rate of 9.114 cents/kWh, which is lower than Duke Energy Ohio’s price of 10.06 cents/kWh.
Eligible Oxford residents and businesses can opt out of this program at any time with no fee and will return to receiving energy services from Duke Energy, Oxford’s local electric distribution utility. To opt out or see if they’re eligible, residents can call AEP Energy Customer Care at 1-877-648-1937.
Recent city updates
In other news, the commission celebrated the city’s certification as a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 30th consecutive year.
The commission also discussed plans to take the next steps in expanding pedestrian bike trails and spoke on the completion of this year’s deer management program.
“We can’t take our foot off the gas,” Murphy said. “Deer management requires annual commitment, and we’ll be coming to council with recommended next steps.”
The environmental commission will meet next on March 4 at 7 p.m. at 15 S. College Ave.
