Akron customers to see ‘significant increase’ in energy bill with rates nearly twice as high

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) — If you’re a energy customer in Akron, get ready to see a “significant increase” in your bill.

INTRODUCING DYNEGY

The City of Akron announced on March 26 they have “successfully” contracted Dynegy, formerly Energy Harbor, for its next electric aggregation program offering 100% carbon-free energy.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said the new 13-month contract, which spans from May 2025 through June 2026, came to be after “a competitive bid process.”

Starting in May, (formerly Energy Harbor, now) Dynegy customer bills will be charged on the new fixed generation price of 9.24 cents/kWh, which is nearly twice as high as the previous electric aggregation program of 4.97 cents/kWh.

Malik explained the higher pricing from the previous contract the city had since 2021 is “due to significantly higher costs set by energy suppliers.”

ENROLLMENT AND OPT-OUT

Residents and small businesses who are currently Energy Harbor customers of the aggregation program will be automatically enrolled with Dynegy.

If you do not want to be automatically enrolled in Dynegy’s aggregation program, call, mail back, or enter your opt-oud code on the Dynegy website.

Those currently in the program or not currently under another contract will be mailed opt-out letters with instructions in April.

Any Akron resident who is not already part of the aggregation program and wants to get their electricity from Dynegy can call them toll-free at 1-833-241-4599.

Residents and small businesses who want to get their electricity elsewhere can shop the open market and sign with a different supplier.

They can also join the Dynegy aggregation program later at no additional cost.

Electric users may drop out of the aggregation program free of charge at any time.

The City of Akron said residents can search other electricity options at www.energychoice.ohio.gov/ApplestoApples.aspx. 

WARNING

“Residents should know that no representatives from Dynegy will be coming to your homes or contacting you in any way beyond the letter you will receive,” the mayor warned. “Representatives attempting to call, text, email or come to your home do not represent the energy supplier. If you are ever unsure, you can call Dynegy at 1-833-241-4599.”

EXPLANATION

“In November 2001, the Akron community first voted in favor of government aggregation,” Malik explained. “Under government aggregation, local officials bring citizens together to gain group buying power for the purchase of competitively priced electricity from a retail electric generation supplier certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).  When a contract ends, the City collects competitive bids to decide on a supplier for the subsequent cycle.”

“Akron’s rate is comparable to other recently bid local electric aggregation programs,” Malik stated.” In January, the City of Tallmadge entered into an aggregation program for 8.60 cents/kWh. The City of Green recently announced a new rate of 9.69 cents/kWh to begin in June and last for 13 months. The City of Youngstown entered into an agreement for 7.99 cents/kWh beginning in March and going through June 2026.”

All of Dynegy’s municipal aggregation programs are listed on their site here.

TIPS TO SAVE MONEY

Here are cost-cutting steps the city of Akron suggested taking at home to lower your electric bill:

• Look for energy-efficient appliances with Energy Star ratings – they consume less energy and can save money over time
• Have an energy audit conducted by a local CDC like East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation. Learn more here
• Use a programmable thermostat – adjust thermostat temperatures when the house is unoccupied or when sleeping
• Insulation – ensure home is well-insulated to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer
• Air Leaks – Seal any air leaks around windows and doors to prevent draft and reduce energy consumption
• Air Filters – Regularly replace air filters in your HVAC system to ensure efficient operation and reduce strain on the system
• Lighting – Switch to energy efficient LED light bulbs, which use less energy and last longer
• Unplug electronics – Unplug electronics when not in use as they can still draw power even when turned off
• Laundry – Wash clothes in cold water and only run full loads to save energy and water
• Plant trees – Trees provide shade which keep houses cooler in the summer and save money on cooling

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