Dominion East Ohio said on Wednesday that almost half of its customers have chosen other suppliers. Company officials said 583,997 (49%) of its 1.2 million customers have opted to purchase natural gas from alternative suppliers, realizing $86 million in savings in the first year of the system-wide Energy Choice program expansion.

The utility said it expects even more customers to participate in Energy Choice in the coming months. Under Energy Choice, participating customers may choose to purchase natural gas from approved suppliers, while relying on Dominion East Ohio to continue delivering that gas to their homes or businesses. The company said customers also have the option of continuing to buy natural gas supplies from it at the current regulated cost.

Dominion East Ohio said it encourages customers to explore their options, noting that there is no deadline for choosing a different supplier. However, some suppliers may have deadlines for particular prices or offers.

To enroll in the Energy Choice program, customers must contact a supplier directly. The supplier then will officially notify Dominion East Ohio. Under rules of the program, developed jointly by Dominion East Ohio, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, the utility cannot recommend a supplier or sign up customers for any supplier. The change of suppliers becomes effective approximately 60 days after sign up to allow suppliers the time they need to secure gas supplies on behalf of their new customers.

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