PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SOPEC ELECTRIC PLAN OF OPERATION AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE CITY OF CINCINNATI

CITY OF CINCINNATI LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Section 4928.20(C) of the Ohio Revised Code, the City of Cincinnati will hold two (2) separate Public Hearings on the SOPEC Electric Plan of Operation and Governance for the City of Cincinnati on September 24, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. and on October 8, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. Both hearings will be held at Cincinnati City Hall, Council Chambers, 3rd Floor.

The Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (“SOPEC”) is a regional council of governments under Chapter 167 of the Ohio Revised Code. SOPEC provides energy services to member communities, political subdivisions, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and public agencies. The City is considering membership in SOPEC in order to allow the City the option, but not a mandate, to join an aggregation program that will provide City residents and other electric customers with better pricing. The City’s membership in SOPEC will allow the City to have flexibility, when market conditions are favorable, to obtain better electricity pricing for participants in the City’s electric aggregation program. Joining SOPEC comes at no cost to the city and provides opportunities for utility savings that the City does not currently have or provide access to.

The City of Cincinnati will hold the two (2) Public Hearings referenced above to permit comments and questions regarding the SOPEC Electric Plan of Operation and Governance. The SOPEC Electric Plan of Operation and Governance contains information on the structure, governance, operations, management, funding, and policies of the Aggregation Program to be utilized for participating customers in SOPEC member communities. The Aggregation Program described in the SOPEC Electric Plan of Operation and Governance contains two types of aggregations, an “Opt-Out Aggregation Program” and an “Opt-In Aggregation Program”. The SOPEC Electric Plan of Operation and Governance addresses the following topics: (I) Introduction; (II) Description and Objectives of the Aggregation Program: Endorsement Program; (III) Goals of the Aggregation Program; (IV) Rates; (V) Steps for Communities during the Aggregation Program; (VI) Participation in the Aggregation Program: Endorsement Program; (VII) Notification of Opt-Out Aggregation Program Customers; (VIII) The City of Athens, Ohio Carbon Fee; (IX) Customer Service; (X) Customer Protections; (XI) Customer Complaints; (XII) Termination of Participation in the Opt-Out Aggregation Program; (XIII) Termination of Participation in the Opt-In Aggregation Program; (XIV) Organizational Structure and Organizational Structure Chart; (XV) Certification; (XVI) Aggregation Program Funding; and (XVII) Modification of the SOPEC’s Plan.

Copies of the SOPEC Electric Plan of Operation and Governance may be obtained at the Office of Environment and Sustainability at 801 Plum Street, Suite 130, between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. The document may also be viewed at any time on the Aggregation Program website. Questions regarding the contents of this notice may be directed to
molly.robertshaw@cincinnati-oh.gov.