As temperatures drop and Akron heads into the heating season, the city isn’t leaving its residents and small business owners out in the cold when it comes to natural gas options. Through its Natural Gas Program, the City of Akron has confirmed IGS Energy as the supplier, offering a fixed rate of $4.55/Mcf starting November 2025, per an announcement on the City of Akron’s official website. This rate, while higher than the previous $3.81/Mcf, will lock in for a year, until the November 2026 billing cycle.
Consumers with different preferences in shopping for natural gas aren't stuck. They have the agency to choose a different supplier on the open market. Interestingly, the program’s design allows for joining later or dropping the plan altogether at one's discretion, without any extra fees. The opt-out notice, as detailed on the city's site, gives current IGS Energy customers until October 31 to decline being automatically enrolled. Those with a desire to opt out have received letters already—these customers can make their non-participation official by phone, email, or snail mail.
In a continued commitment to flexibility for its natural gas consumers, Akron assures that opting in or out of the aggregation program can be done seamlessly and at any point. Opting out means residents and businesses will be transitioned back to Enbridge Gas Ohio's distribution responsibility, including the meter maintenance and reading, and gas pipeline upkeep. The forthcoming expiration of the present natural gas contract with IGS Energy in November is a key time for decision-making for customers. Those who don't secure a new supplier agreement will find their service transition to Enbridge Gas Ohio by default.
It's noted that Enbridge Gas Ohio will stick to their role, ensuring that, despite any changes in the supply chain, the gas keeps flowing right into Akron homes. The supply change to IGS Energy, or back to Enbridge Gas Ohio for those choosing the alternative path or no path at all, won't alter where the monthly bill comes from. Akron residents not currently enrolled in the program and wishing to take up the fixed rate offer with IGS Energy can do so by calling their toll-free number provided by the city.
