POMEROY — Members of Pomeroy Village Council heard about a potential plan to save residents on their electric bills during Monday’s regular meeting.

Kathy Teigland, of Palmer Energy Company, told council about an opt-out governmental aggregation program which would allow residents to save 18-20 percent (on average) on the generation portion of electric services.

Palmer Energy serves as an energy programs consultant for the County Commissioners Association of Ohio Service Corporation.

The program would be similar to that of the current gas program in the village, which was voted in by residents approximately four years ago through Volunteer Energy.

The program would need voter support through a vote on the November ballot in order for the village to participate, according to Teigland. It must first be approved by council through a resolution.

Members of council tabled a decision on the mater until the next council meeting.

The ballot issue would have to be submitted to the board of elections by August 7 to appear on the November ballot.

The opt-out program would require residents who do not wish to participate to mail in the form, checking the box to opt-out. If the form is not mailed back, the person will automatically be enrolled in the program.

Customers would have the option to opt-in or opt-out approximately every three years or when the current contract expires.

Palmer Energy would find the lowest bidder to provide energy generation for the customers who take part in the program. Contracts with the bidders are two to three years to lock in the low price for that length of time.

Teigland stated that the program was recently presented to the Meigs County Commissioners, who supported the program.

Two public meetings would be required following the passage of the issue on the November ballot.

Council stated that they would like to hold a meeting prior to the election to make sure all residents are aware of how the program works so that they can be informed voters.

Present at the meeting were council members Robert Payne, Dru Reed, Ruth Spaun, Phil Ohlinger, and Vic Young, Mayor Mary McAngus, clerk Sonya Wolfe and Administrator Paul Hellman.

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on July 23.