A simple guide to how it works and what it means for you
When it comes to your electric bill, you have more choices than you may realize. While AEP Ohio delivers electricity to your home and maintains the poles and wires, you may have options for who supplies the electricity you use. The generation charge on your AEP Ohio bill reflects the cost of that electricity supply, but it is not an AEP Ohio charge.
Some communities—including cities, villages, and townships—choose to participate in electric aggregation programs. If your community has an aggregation program, you may be automatically enrolled unless you choose a different generation supplier or opt out of the program. That’s why it’s important to understand how aggregation works and what options are available to you.
What Is Aggregation?
Aggregation is when a community purchases electricity supply in bulk on behalf of participating residents and small businesses. By combining purchasing power, communities may be able to negotiate competitive pricing and additional energy supply options. Aggregation programs are designed to offer competitive rates, but savings are not guaranteed.
If your community participates in aggregation, you’ll receive information by mail explaining the program, your options, and any actions you may need to take. Even if your community has an aggregation program, you generally still have the option to choose your own generation supplier or remain with your utility’s standard generation service.
How It Works
The Bottom Line
When deciding what’s right for you, you have options. Depending on where you live, you may be able to stay with your utility’s standard service, participate in aggregation, or choose another supplier. It really comes down to what works best for your needs. Keep in mind that aggregation is not available in every community, so your options may vary based on your location.
More Information
To check how your specific community is handling its energy supply, visit the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel or the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. The OCC provides information about energy choice and your options as a consumer. The PUCO publishes the Apples to Apples rate comparison tool for energy services in areas where customers can choose their provider.
I have lived on the North side of Columbus for 74 of my 76 years. I have always been satisfied with the service provided by AEP. Whenever I have needed them or my community, it seems that they respond promptly and prepared to fix and eliminate the problem.
I would like to opt-out and keep my generator.
Hi Wendy. If you’re part of a municipal aggregation program, there should be information available from your community on how to opt out, or you can contact the generation supplier directly. If you’re talking about a personal generator to power your home, that’s not affected by aggregation.