Holland Village Council has approved two contracts, lowering residents’ natural gas and electric bills through a regional coalition.
At a February 15 meeting, village solicitor Paul Skaff explained that Holland is a member of the Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition, which includes 15 communities that have banded together to negotiate with gas and electric service providers.
Their goal was “to buy power cheaper than if they bought it independently,” he explained. “It’s been a tremendous success thus far.”
Since the formation, Toledo area residents have saved $19 million on gas bills and $103 million on electric bills, he added.
Palmer Energy is the company working on behalf of the coalition to negotiate rates.
Council approved a twoyear contract with Constellation Energy, the current provider, for natural gas service.
It is estimated to save residents about $600,000, Mr. Skaff said.
Council also approved a three-year contract for electric services with either Energy Harbor or Dynergy, estimated to save $4.6 million for residents.
Both companies meet the qualifications set by the coalition, but Palmer is still negotiating “to secure the best deal.”
“The volatility of the energy price market comes down to the last minute,” Mr. Skaff explained.
Council authorized the mayor to sign the contract with the selected company, which should occur by the first week in March.
Council President Ryan Spangler asked if solar fields are part of the energy contracts.
Palmer approached the coalition several years ago and members gave their approval to include a proposed solar field in southern Ohio as part of the energy package.
Mr. Skaff responded that the solar facility is not part of these contracts, but residents may opt in to a solar program.
He cautioned that solarbased energy services could have higher costs for consumers “because it costs more to transmit solar power than coal-fired power.”
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Heard from Mayor Lee Irons that 100 tons of salt have been delivered to the village, after supplies were running low.
He thanked the village maintenance staff for their work in clearing roads after the recent snowstorm.
“Our roads were in pretty good shape,” the mayor noted.
•Authorized the payment of $75,169 in bills.
Council’s next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, at the village hall, 1245 Clarion Avenue. The meeting is open to the public.
~Beth Church
