NOPEC

Highlights of the Committee Meeting that begins Monday 10/27 at 730:

Further discussion of NOPEC Gas Aggregation Program. Gas aggregation allows a government to get a better price for its’ residents. This must go to a vote on the May 2015 Ballot. Oddly enough, 2 public hearings will be held after the vote, not prior to. It was stated that this is the way Ohio law works. Questions or concerns – now is the time to raise them. If the vote is passed, and there is confidence it will be, you will just be given answers and information and your concerns will not matter.

The Oct. 6 meeting, Charles Ramer was introduced to discuss NOPEC. An audience member had concerns about fracking. Q - You mentioned that one of the variables depends on the Marcellus Utica Shale Program. Can you comment further on that?

Mr. Ramer – That is such a tremendous resource. There is such a volume of gas that is going to be generated by that area of the state that the volume of gas is going to be much less expensive buying it from Mahoning County than buying it from Henry Hub Louisiana.

Q – And that is where there is fracking?

Mr. Ramer – We don’t really have a policy on fracking. All we have a policy on is the natural gas that we purchase is the least expensive. There are still some very competitive rates out of Henry Hub Louisiana. Wherever it is least expensive; that’s where we buy our gas.

Q – It’s just the idea that there whole area has been fracking.

Mr. Ramer – I’m not certain that by participating in this program you are not promoting any particular type of technology.