Starting in May, residential customers who signed up for the city’s aggregation program can expect their electric bills to increase approximately $40 per month, Director of Public Service Chris Ludle said in a news release.
The City of Akron entered its next electric aggregation program with Dynegy, formerly Energy Harbor, at a rate of 9.24 cents/kWh, a significant increase from the previous fixed rate of 4.97 cents/kWh, which was adopted in 2021.
Why the increased cost? Higher costs set by energy suppliers, according to city officials.
Electric customers’ bills will be fixed at this rate through June 2026.
“By keeping the contract term to 13 months,” Ludle said in the news release, “we hope to get back to a cheaper rate if the market improves over the next year. It’s an unfortunate reality that everything is costing more these days, including our energy.”
How does the electric aggregation program work in Akron?
In 2001, Akron residents voted in favor of government aggregation. An aggregator — in this case, the City of Akron — brings a group of customers together to establish better terms for group members, such as consolidated billing or energy use analysis, according to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. All aggregators must be certified by the PUCO.
When a contract ends, the city collects bids to decide on a supplier for the next cycle.
How do I join?
Residents and small businesses who are under the current program with the company will be automatically enrolled — unless they opt out. Akron residents that are not part of the current program can sign up by calling Dynegy at 833-241-4599.
In April, opt-out letters with instructions will be mailed to customers currently in the program and those not under another contract. To opt out, customers must call, mail back the letter or enter the opt-out code on the Dynegy website.
Residents and small businesses who want to find another energy supplier can shop for options on the Energy Choice Ohio website, which is run by the PUCO.
Customers can drop out of the Dynegy program at any time, and they can join later at no additional cost.
How else can I lower my City of Akron electric bill?
In the news release, the city offered suggestions for cutting costs at home:
- Conduct an energy audit with assistance from a local nonprofits such as East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation.
- Look for energy-efficient appliances, which consume less energy and can save money over time. Energy Star created a product finder for comparing equipment costs and average energy use.
- Use a programmable thermostat and adjust temperature settings when the house is unoccupied or when sleeping.
- Ensure your home is well-insulated to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
- Seal air leaks around windows and doors to prevent drafts.
- Regularly replace air filters in HVAC systems to ensure efficient operation and reduce strain on the system.
- Switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs, which use less energy and last longer.
- Unplug electronics when not in use, as they can draw power — even when turned off.
- Wash clothes in cold water, and save energy and water by only running full loads.
Energy Choice Ohio also offers suggestions for energy conservation and managing energy costs.
Do local municipalities have similar rates?
The City of Tallmadge: 8.60 cents/kWh.
The City of Green: 9.69 cents/kWh
The City of Youngstown: 7.99 cents/kWh
You can check out Dynegy’s municipal aggregation programs online.
How to watch out for scams
Dynegy representatives will not contact residents beyond the opt-out letters mailed in April. Representatives attempting to come to your home or contact you via call, text or email do not represent Dynegy. If you are unsure, contact Dynegy at 833-241-4599.
Learn how to spot the red flags to avoid being scammed here.
Read about common scams in Akron and Summit County here.