BATAVIA, Ohio (Aug. 12, 2016) – Using a competitive bid process, Clermont County Commissioners on Aug. 10 selected Lykins Energy Solutions to provide electricity to county buildings beginning in January 2017, and IGS Energy to provide its natural gas supply beginning in December 2016. The county will realize approximately $67,000 in annual savings compared to current rates, said Sukie Scheetz, Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
The county contracted with BidUEnergy in April to solicit and present qualified nationwide bids for the two services – electricity and natural gas. The two best bids for electricity were Miami Township-based Lykins and Direct Energy, the county’s current provider. Lykins was the least expensive, at $0.04689/kwh for the county’s largest buildings, and $0.04414/kwh for the smaller buildings.
IGS was one of two qualified natural gas bidders, Scheetz said, and its rate of $4.37 per thousand cubic feet is below the current rate of $4.75.
“The Commissioners are constantly looking for ways to save taxpayers’ money,” said Bob Proud, President of the Board of County Commissioners. “We scrutinize all of our bills, and look for better deals whenever we can. Gathering bids from companies around the country that provide electricity and natural gas made sense for us.”
“We were delighted that Lykins Energy Solutions came in with the lowest bid for electric use,” said Commissioner Ed Humphrey. “Lykins has grown into one of Ohio’s biggest energy companies, while keeping its headquarters in Clermont County. It’s a company that believes in giving back to the community, and many non-profits in the county have been the recipient of Lykins’ generosity.”
Just as the county has benefited from this procurement process, residents may also benefit in the future, noted Commissioner David Uible. In 2017 or 2018, the county is likely to place on the ballot a referendum that would allow county residents living in unincorporated areas to form an aggregated buying group on behalf of its citizens and small businesses. “We can get better gas and electric rates by negotiating with various suppliers to find the best rate,” said Commissioner Uible. “This would allow our residents to save on their monthly utility bills.”
The Lykins contract will run from January 2017 to December 2019. The IGS contract will run from December 2016 to November 2019.
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