City of Akron Renews Electric Aggregation Program with Dynegy

Akron, Ohio, March 26, 2025  — The City of Akron has successfully entered into contract for its next electric aggregation program offering 100% carbon-free energy with Dynegy, formerly Energy Harbor. Following a competitive bid process, the City of Akron selected Dynegy’s fixed generation price of 9.24 cents/kWh, which will be applied to customer bills beginning in May of 2025 and remain in place through June of 2026, a 13-month contract. This is a significant increase from the previous electric aggregation program (4.97 cents/kWh) which the city entered into in 2021. The higher pricing is due to significantly higher costs set by energy suppliers.

Residents and small businesses who are in the current aggregation program with Energy Harbor will automatically be enrolled with Dynegy unless they call, mail back, or enter their opt-out code via the Dynegy website. Opt-out letters with instructions will be mailed in April to those currently in the program and those not under another contract. Any Akron resident who is not currently part of the aggregation program who is interested in receiving their electricity from this supplier can call them toll-free at 1-833-241-4599.

Residents and small businesses wishing to get their electricity elsewhere are able to shop the open market and sign with a different supplier if they choose. They can join the aggregation program later at no additional cost. Electric users can also drop out of the aggregation program at any time, free of charge. 

In November 2001, the Akron community first voted in favor of government aggregation. Under government aggregation, local officials bring citizens together to gain group buying power for the purchase of competitively priced electricity from a retail electric generation supplier certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).  When a contract ends, the City collects competitive bids to decide on a supplier for the subsequent cycle. 

Residents should know that no representatives from Dynegy will be coming to your homes or contacting you in any way beyond the letter you will receive. Representatives attempting to call, text, email or come to your home do not represent the energy supplier. If you are ever unsure, you can call Dynegy at 1-833-241-4599.

“For the past four years, Akron residents have benefited from a very reasonable price for our electric aggregation program. While the City of Akron is pleased to once again offer a fixed rate electricity program to our residents and small businesses, it does unfortunately come at a higher cost than our previous aggregation program,” said Service Director Chris Ludle. “We anticipate that an average residential user can expect their electric bill to cost approximately $40/month more than under the current rates. This is due to increasing energy costs across the board from suppliers. I would encourage anyone wishing to seek out a better rate to do so on the open market but be wary of variable rates, long term contracts, and early termination fees. We’re thankful to be locked into a fixed rate offer to avoid further impacts of inflation or market changes. By keeping the contract term to 13 months, we hope to get back to a cheaper rate if the market improves over the next year. It’s an unfortunate reality that everything is costing more these days including our energy.”

Akron’s rate is comparable to other recently bid local electric aggregation programs. In January, the City of Tallmadge entered into an aggregation program for 8.60 cents/kWh. The City of Green recently announced a new rate of 9.69 cents/kWh to begin in June and last for 13 months. The City of Youngstown entered into an agreement for 7.99 cents/kWh beginning in March and going through June 2026. You can view all of Dynegy’s municipal aggregation programs on their site here. Residents can search other electricity options at https://www.energychoice.ohio.gov/ApplestoApples.aspx.  

To lower your electric bill, there are steps you can take at home to help cut costs:

• Look for energy-efficient appliances with Energy Star ratings – they consume less energy and can save money over time

• Have an energy audit conducted by a local CDC like East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation. Learn more here

• Use a programmable thermostat – adjust thermostat temperatures when the house is unoccupied or when sleeping

• Insulation – ensure home is well-insulated to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer

• Air Leaks – Seal any air leaks around windows and doors to prevent draft and reduce energy consumption

• Air Filters – Regularly replace air filters in your HVAC system to ensure efficient operation and reduce strain on the system

• Lighting – Switch to energy efficient LED light bulbs, which use less energy and last longer

• Unplug electronics – Unplug electronics when not in use as they can still draw power even when turned off

• Laundry – Wash clothes in cold water and only run full loads to save energy and water

• Plant trees – Trees provide shade which keep houses cooler in the summer and save money on cooling