Reading the below item reminds us that Wilmington City Council has the power to act to reduce our natural gas costs for the winter heating season. When I say us it includes city operating costs as well as individual customers.

The process is very much like the electric aggregation program that most signed up for early this year. We voted to allow the city to pursue gs aggregation some years ago but there was, because of no price competition, little to be gained. All the city fathers have to do is to coordinate with a selected broker, have a couple of public meeting and select the lowest bidder to be our supplier. If any one wants to “opt out” of the program it is easy to do so. Like electric aggregation the city has no input or obligation once the supplier is selected. Billing will continue as normal.

If the council acts this month we could start realizing savings early next year.

I have included the names and contact information for city council members for us in this effort as well as any future reader concerns.

Paul Hunter paulhunter45177@gmail.com

Winter energy bills to rise

By Jonathan Fahey

AP Energy Writer

The government forecast Tuesday that most households will pay more for heat this winter. Heating oil users will catch a slight break, but still pay near-record prices to keep warm.

Prices for natural gas, electricity and propane should be higher, the primary reason that more than 90 percent of U.S. homes will incur higher heating expenses.

Natural gas users will see the biggest percentage increase after two years of historically low prices. Their heating bills should rise to an average of $679, the Energy Department said in its annual outlook for heating costs. That is about 13 percent higher than a year ago.

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City Council President (term ends 12/31/13 )
Scott Kirchner
(937) 527-7457 (C)
kirchnerscott@aol.com

Council Member-at-Large
Mark McKay
(937) 382-2709 (H)mark.mckay@indoff.com

Council Member-at-Large
Bob Mead
(937) 725-3619 (C)rmead@swohio.twcbc.com

Council Member-at-Large (term ends 12/31/13)
Bryan Siebenaller
(419) 618-1182 (C)bryan.siebenaller@gmail.com

Council Member - 1st Ward (term ends12/31/13)
Mike Wallace
(937) 382-0040 (H)
mwallace3@cinci.rr.com

Council Member - 2nd Ward
Loren Stuckert
(937) 382-4643 (H)
loren_stuckert@yahoo.com

Council Member - 3rd Ward (term ends 12/31/13)

Don Wells
(937) 382-1561 (H)
dwells12@cinci.rr.com

Council Member - 3rd Ward (term ends 12/31/13)

Don Wells
(937) 382-1561 (H)
dwells12@cinci.rr.com

Council Member -4th Ward
Rob Jaehnig
(937) 728-6557 (C)
rljaehnig@yahoo.com