Cincy Reporter

The City of Cincinnati has announced two public hearings regarding the SOPEC Electric Plan of Operation and Governance. These hearings are scheduled for September 24, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. and October 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., both to be held in the Council Chambers on the third floor of Cincinnati City Hall. The second hearing date was updated from an earlier schedule.

SOPEC, or the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council, is a regional council of governments that provides energy services to its member communities as well as other organizations such as nonprofits and public agencies. The city is considering joining SOPEC, which would give it the option—but not the requirement—to participate in an aggregation program designed to secure better electricity pricing for residents and other electric customers.

Membership in SOPEC would come at no cost to Cincinnati and could allow for utility savings that are currently unavailable through existing city programs. According to city officials, this move is intended to provide more flexibility in obtaining favorable electricity rates when market conditions permit.

The purpose of these public hearings is to allow residents and stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback about the proposed SOPEC Electric Plan of Operation and Governance. This plan outlines various aspects including governance structure, operations, management policies, funding mechanisms, customer service protocols, protections for customers, complaint procedures, and details about participation options such as opt-in or opt-out aggregation programs.

Additionally, topics covered in the plan include rates for participants, steps required during implementation by communities, notification processes for customers involved in opt-out programs, information about related initiatives like the City of Athens Carbon Fee, termination procedures for participation in either aggregation program type, organizational charts, certification requirements, program funding sources, and processes for modifying SOPEC’s plan.

The hearings are being held under Section 4928.20(C) of the Ohio Revised Code.