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Residents in Stryker must make electric
decision by July 16

Columbus, Ohio – July 2, 2004 – The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC), the residential utility advocate, alerts Toledo Edison residential customers who live in the Village of Stryker of an electric aggregation decision that must be made by July 16. Residents should have received information in the mail from their local government about how to join, remain in or withdraw from the community buying group. The mailing also provides details about the rate being offered by Dominion Retail, the company chosen by government officials to supply electricity as part of the aggregation program.

What is an opt-out aggregation program?

Aggregation is the process of joining consumers together as a group to buy electricity. Eligible consumers are automatically included in the buying group unless they “opt out,” or withdraw, from the program. Governmental aggregation programs must include the following steps:

• The local government must adopt an ordinance or resolution and place the issue on the ballot for residents to vote on.

• Once the issue is passed by a majority of voters, the local government must adopt a plan to address how the aggregation program will work and hold two public meetings about the plan.

• Government officials then choose an electric supplier to serve its residents at a specified rate.

• When the supplier has been chosen, a letter is sent to eligible residents informing them of the supplier rate, terms and conditions of the offer and the deadline to opt out of the program.

What does this mean for Stryker residents?

• Residents of Stryker voted in favor of their community aggregating its electric service on a ballot issue in November 2000.

• Consumers who have chosen a supplier on their own are not included in the buying pool and should not receive information about the aggregation program.

• Eligible residents should have received information in the mail about the supplier and the rate being offered.

• Stryker residents who are eligible to participate will be automatically included in the program and served by Dominion Retail unless they withdraw from the program by July 16.

• After the opt-out deadline, consumers who are not already in the program and who do not withdraw from the program will receive a confirmation letter from Toledo Edison notifying them of their new supplier.

• Consumers can withdraw from the program within seven days of the postmark date on the confirmation letter at no cost.

• Any cancellations after the seven days results in a $25 fee.

• Whether residents participate in the buying group or not, Toledo Edison will continue to deliver electricity to their homes, repair poles and wires and send customers their monthly bills.

What should consumers do now?

The OCC is offering the following tips for residents:

• Carefully read the information that was mailed to you from your local government, including the rate and terms and conditions of the agreement with Dominion Retail. Residents can contact Dominion Retail toll free at 1-877-796-0716 for more information.

• If you do not wish to be included in your community's buying pool, you must mail back the opt-out card, postmarked by July 16.

• If you are an eligible customer, you do not need to do anything to participate in your community's buying pool. You will be switched automatically to Dominion Retail.

• Keep all information sent by your local government and Dominion Retail for future reference.

• If you have misplaced or have not received the opt-out notice and do not wish to participate in your community's buying pool, call Dominion Retail to ask how to remove yourself from the group.

Residential consumers can contact the OCC toll free at 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) or at www.pickocc.org to request more information about the aggregation process or energy choice programs.

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.