Starting in November 2025, Oakwood residents and small businesses will have the opportunity to be enrolled in a new natural gas aggregation program that offers a fixed rate of $0.6625 per CcF through May 2027, providing price stability in today’s volatile energy market. The program, coordinated by the Miami Valley Communications Council across 18 local communities, mirrors the successful electric aggregation program that has saved participants nearly $350 annually since 2023. In early September, residents received information in the mail welcoming them to the gas aggregation program through Archer Energy, including frequently asked questions (below) and detailed program information. Action is required to join, but anyone preferring to remain with CenterPoint Energy’s default service does not need to take any action. Participants can leave or rejoin the program anytime without fees, and CenterPoint Energy will continue handling all billing and service calls as usual.
Natural Gas Aggregation Benefits
The MVCC Natural Gas Aggregation Program provides benefits to participants, such as:
- A ceiling for participants’ natural gas supply pricing.
- Budget stability with a known rate that will not spike during peak gas consumption periods.
- Competitive pricing with a reasonable chance to be below CenterPoint Energy’s default-service pricing.
- Flexible contract terms should a participant move out of the area or wish to join the program mid-term.
- Protection against consumers entering into risky supply agreements via door-to-door solicitations or random mailers.
- Participants can terminate at no charge if they find an alternative supplier option they prefer.
- No cost to enroll and no switching fee.
Municipal Aggregation Commonly Asked Questions
What is Municipal Aggregation?
Municipal Aggregation is when a city, or group of cities, join together to combine their purchasing power. The process of aggregation can generate products for communities that are more favorable than an individual customer could achieve.
Who is Archer Energy?
Archer Energy is a leading retail supplier of electricity and natural gas and is licensed by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and approved by CenterPoint Energy.
What is the aggregation program rate?
Oakwood residents and small businesses will have the opportunity to be enrolled in a new natural gas aggregation program that offers a fixed rate of $0.6625 per CcF through May 2027, providing price stability in today’s volatile energy market.
Will I receive a separate bill from Archer?
No, CenterPoint will continue to bill you for its services as well as Archer’s service. You will pay the utility and the utility will remit payment to Archer.
How do I enroll?
To Participate in this Program, you must “Opt-In” by contacting Archer Energy using one of the methods below:
• Website: www.archerenergy.com/mvcc-opt-in
• Call: Archer Energy toll-free at 844-795-7491 Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm
• Be sure to have your CenterPoint gas account number handy when enrolling
What does it mean to opt in the program?
Opting in means that you want to participate in the program established by your community leaders. If you opt in, you will be enrolled in this program and will no longer be served by the utility under the SCO or until you choose an alternative supplier.
Who is eligible to participate?
Most business and residential customers located within the City of Oakwood that are not shopping for their own natural gas supplies are eligible.
Who would not be eligible to participate?
Customers enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Program (PIPP), a customer who is under contract with another supplier, or a mercantile customer are not eligible to participate. If you would like to join the program, please get in touch with Archer Energy by calling toll-free at 844-795-7491 to discuss further.
Are there any additional fees for participating in the program?
No. There are no switching fees imposed by the utilities to participate in the program.
When will I see my new rate?
You can expect to see the new rate one to two billing cycles following your enrollment in the program. Please note; supply rates do not include sales taxes, delivery charges or other utility fees.
If my payments are automatically deducted from my checking, will that continue?
Yes, how you pay the utility bill will not change.
Who do I call if I have a problem with my natural gas service and who will deliver my natural gas?
Your local utility will continue to be responsible for servicing your account and responding to any disruptions in service.
I already have a deregulated supplier; can I still join the aggregation?
The information provided by the utility indicated that you did not have a supplier. However, in some instances, there may be a delay in switching notices provided by the utility to suppliers. As such, you should check with your current supplier on your ability to terminate the agreement without incurring damages. You can join the program later, under the same terms and conditions.
Is there an early termination fee for leaving the program after the 21 day opt-in period?
No, there is no early termination fee for leaving the program at any point in time. However, upon returning to the utility you might not be served under the same rates, terms or conditions that apply to other customers served by the utility.
I am currently on budget billing, will that continue?
Yes, the utility will continue to provide you with a budget bill.
How do I contact Archer if I have any additional questions?
If you have additional questions about the program, please contact Archer toll-free at 844-795-7491 from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.