The governmental opt-out electric aggregation program replaces the utility default supply rate with a lower retail market rate. The program provides 10-15% savings on generation service charges for residential and small business customers. These customers can use the program as a free option and can enter and exit the hedged program at any time with no fees or hassle. Learn more.

The mercantile electric aggregation program provides a bundled retail market rate for mercantile class customers. Mercantile class customers must feature more than 700,000 kWh of usage per year, or hold more than one meter under a single account holder. The program provides 20-25% savings compared with the default utility supply rate.

The governmental opt-out natural gas aggregation program replaces the utility default supply rate with a lower retail market rate. The program provides 5% savings on supply charges for residential and small business gas customers. These customers can use the program as a free option and can enter and exit the hedged program at any time with no fees or hassle. Learn more.

The STEP Loan Program provides a subsidized low-interest fixed-rate loan to small business customers for energy improvements to their business. Business owners can borrow $5,000 to $100,000 at a fixed 3% APR for a ten year loan term. Qualifying purchases include EnergyStar appliances and upgrades to insulation, lighting, HVAC, windows, and other energy reduction improvements. Learn more.

The PACE Loan Program provides property-assessed financing for large commercial energy efficiency projects. Commercial borrowers can receive financing from $100,000 to $500,000 through the SOPEC PACE program. Borrowers receive a PACE loan from SOPEC through an ESID district, and repay the PACE loan to SOPEC through property tax assessments. Learn more;  FAQ.

The USDA REDA program provides cost-free renewable energy site assessments for small businesses and agricultural producers. Site assessments that show strong economic feasibility and a quick payback point can be submitted for a USDA REAP grant to reimburse 25% of project costs. SOPEC is the only USDA REDA program provider in Ohio.

The SolSmart Program is funded through the Solar Foundation. The program provides funding and technical assistance for local governments to streamline building code, zoning, permitting, and other barriers that restrict solar installation or raise the non-capital cost of solar development. Governments that complete the program and meet or exceed program standards are certified as a “SolSmart Community”.

Each member community that joins the SOPEC Council of Governments receives open access to all SOPEC programming and services for energy customers in their community. Becoming a member community of SOPEC is easy and there is no fee or cost for communities to join.

For more information, please contact Eddie Smith, SOPEC Executive Director at esmith@sopecinfo.org or at 740-597-7955.