MIAMI VALLEY COMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL
Dayton-area south suburbs are set to consider an issue aimed at getting more competitive utility rates for residents and businesses.
Members of the Miami Valley Communications Council plan to address a measure Wednesday that would allow the organization to create electric and natural gas aggregation programs.
The resolution cites “a substantial increase in electric rates paid by residents and small businesses.” It also states approval “will increase the effectiveness and ensure competitive, but not necessarily the lowest, market pricing” for participants.
“The more rooftops you can get into a program, the more competitive pricing you’re going to receive,” MVCC Executive Director Jay Weiskircher said. “So, we’re looking at getting as many rooftops in our program as we can.”
Kettering is in favor of the MVCC creating aggregation programs for electric and natural gas rates, according to City Manager Mark Schwieterman.
“We have been working with other communities to develop the best plan for our residents while protecting their ability to opt out of the program as they choose,” he said in an email.
Aggregation for utility rates has been an issue several area communities have been exploring amid increasing energy rates.
Aside from West Carrollton, all other MVCC member cities have approved similar ballot issues, Weiskircher said.
Oakwood City Manager Norbert Klopsch said in an email he thinks “there is broad support for MVCC being in the leadership role.”
Likewise, Miamisburg City Manager Keith Johnson said he does not “see a problem” with the proposal, but he hasn’t discussed the issue with the city’s representative on the MVCC board.
Weiskircher said he has had preliminary talks with officials in several northern Dayton suburbs about the MVCC proposal. If approved, those discussions would continue, he said.
History
Miami Valley Communications Council is a municipal communications and technology organization representing the eight member cities of Centerville, Germantown, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Springboro and West Carrollton. The council also has affiliate agreements with other Miami Valley cities. MVCC was formed in 1975 as a council of governments to monitor, regulate, and administer common cable television franchise agreements, manage the operation of the council's cable access television channels, and develop and implement intergovernmental projects designed to strengthen communications between member cities and their citizens. A policy-making body consisting of delegates representing member cities governs the council.
Funding
MVCC is funded through franchise fees paid by the cable service provider. Franchise fees are rent that the cable company pays for placing its wires over or under the public rights-of-way (streets.) MVCC uses these franchise fees to support its community access television activities, cooperative intergovernmental projects, and to explore new and changing technologies that will benefit member communities. The council, in turn, provides many services to our communities at little or no cost.