Residents and small businesses in Kettering and 17 other local communities are about to get a more predictable gas bill thanks to a new natural gas aggregation program announced by the Miami Valley Communications Council (MVCC). Beginning this fall, the program with Archer Energy will lock in a fixed supply rate of $7.195 per MCF, a measure that's aimed at shielding participants from the ups and downs of the volatile natural gas market. The cities involved include the likes of Brookville, Centerville, and Fairborn, among others, as detailed in the City of Kettering's official announcement.
With energy costs rarely trending in the consumer's favor, news of this initiative is making its rounds. Amber Holloway, City Manager of West Carrollton, remarked on the financial relief this program anticipates following the $350 annual savings from an electric aggregation program since 2023. "Our electric aggregation program with Dynegy has saved participants nearly $350 annually since its inception in 2023," she highlighted in the City of Kettering's official announcement. Yet, this move isn't just about immediate savings; it's also about long-term stability. As the program gets underway, officials expect gas supply service to start from the November 2025 billing cycle, running through May 2027 before reassessing the terms.
For the residents and small business owners to get on board, there's hardly any hustle involved. An opt-out notification letter is all the administrative barrier holding back from joining that they will need to face, which Archer Energy will be sending out in early to mid-September. Elegantly simple, those interested in sticking with the aggregated rate don't even have to lift a finger to join; it's automatic. However, if opting out is more their style, the choice is a phone call away to remain with default-service supply with CenterPoint Energy. Oakwood, carving its own path, offers an opt-in program.
Carefully ensuring continuous and quality service, CenterPoint Energy (CPE) will maintain its spot as the reliable provider for billing and distribution services, even for those who join the program. "Likewise, participating residents and small businesses will still call CPE for service issues," the City of Kettering website assures. This convenience, paired with the freedom to jump in or out of the program without added fees, makes for a rare combo in the typically stringent utilities market. While the initial fixed rate term might be up for reevaluation come May 2027, for now, the trajectory seems clear: more control over one's gas bill in an unpredictable economy.
