Frequently Asked Questions
Natural Gas
Green Tags
Energy Efficiency
About SOAR
Natural Gas
Is SOAR Energy a certified marketer?
SOAR Energy is not a marketer, it is an aggregator certified by the Public Utilties Commission of Ohio (PUCO). Your natural gas will be provided by our sister cooperative, the Energy Cooperative of Ohio (ECO), which is a PUCO-certified marketer.
(back to top) (back to Natural Gas)
How does the plan work?
SOAR Energy offers a monthly variable rate that is based on wholesale market prices. We call the approach supply management. The contract is month-to-month; if you are ever disatisfied, simply give us 30 days written notice. There are no termination fees. You can check our monthly prices online.
(back to top) (back to Natural Gas)
What are the fees?
There is no fee to join SOAR Energy if you purchase natural gas or green tags through the cooperative. If you choose not to purchase natural gas, but would still like to be a part of SOAR Energy, you can join as a Supporting Member by paying annual dues of $20.
(back to top) (back to Natural Gas)
How do I enroll?
Simply fill out the on-line form with your name, address, and account number. You will begin to receive gas supply from ECO on the first day of your billing cycle in the first available month.
(back to top) (back to Natural Gas)
Am I eligible to choose an alternative natural gas provider?
If you are a customer of COH or DEO and either have no arrearages or are on a payment plan, you can choose SOAR Energy as your alternative provider. If you are in PIPP, you are not eligible.
(back to top) (back to Natural Gas)
How will I be billed?
You will continue to receive a single bill for natural gas service from COH or DEO. The bill will list ECO as your gas provider.
(back to top) (back to Natural Gas)
I am on budget billing. Can I keep that option?
Absolutely. COH and DEO will recalculate your budget amount based on the lower rates we provide.
(back to top) (back to Natural Gas)
When can I switch to SOAR Energy from another marketer?
You can always switch to SOAR Energy. However, if you break your current contract, your marketer may charge you a fee depending on the terms of your contract. Check your current contract for details.
(back to top) (back to Natural Gas)
What do I do if there is a problem?"
If you smell gas or there is another emergency, contact COH or DEO right away. If you have questions about your bill, you should also contact COH or DEO. If you have questions about the current rate or your SOAR contract, please feel free to contact SOAR Energy.
(back to top) (back to Natural Gas)
Green Tags
What are Green Tags?
Green Tags represent the attributes of power from renewable energy resources–attributes such as lower emissions, including reductions in greenhouse gases, and sustainability. Purchasing Green Tags allows SOAR Energy members to improve the environmental characteristics of the power they use. By combining Green Tags with your regular electricity purchase, you are in effect buying Ohio-generated renewable energy and ensuring that more renewable generation sources will be built.
(back to top) (back to Green Tags)
Do Green Tags reduce emissions where I live and breathe?
Yes, the SOAR Energy Green Tags program directly reduces emissions in Ohio. Our Green Tags are purchased through American Municipal Power-Ohio (AMP-Ohio) from three landfill gas facilities in northern Ohio. Landfill gas facilities provide electricity with much lower sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions than coal technologies and zero carbon dioxide emissions. Converting landfill gas to energy also reduces the amount of methane emitted into the atmosphere–a gas which significantly contributes to global climate change.
(back to top) (back to Green Tags)
How does my purchase of Green Tags increase the amount of renewable energy?
Profits earned by AMP-Ohio from the sale of these Green Tags will be invested in the wind farm recently installed in Bowling Green, Ohio. Other revenue from the sale of Green Tags will be used to support SOAR Energy’s mission to bring green power, energy efficiency, and natural gas services to its expanding membership.
(back to top) (back to Green Tags)
What are the fees?
There is no fee to join SOAR Energy if you purchase natural gas or Green Tags through the cooperative. If you choose not to purchase Green Tags but would still like to be a part of SOAR Energy, you can join as a Supporting Member by paying annual dues of $20.
(back to top) (back to Green Tags)
What Green Tags packages are available?
The average residential consumer uses 750 kilowatt hours (Kwh) per month. SOAR Energy offers Green Tags in blocks of 250 Kwh at a cost of $5 per block ($.02 per Kwh). You can choose to purchase Green Tags for all or part of your power purchases. SOAR Energy can also provide customized pricing to large users.
(back to top) (back to Green Tags)
How do I enroll?
Simply fill out the on-line form with your name, address, payment information, and the number of blocks you wish to purchase on a monthly basis. For one-time purchases or amounts exceeding 2,000 Kwh per month, please contact SOAR Energy directly.
(back to top) (back to Green Tags)
How will I be billed?
SOAR Energy will process the automatic withdrawal from credit card customers once per month. Members who prefer to pay by check will receive a paper bill from SOAR Energy quarterly to reduce administrative costs.
(back to top) (back to Green Tags)
What do I do if there is a problem?
If you have questions about your SOAR contract, please feel free to contact SOAR Energy.
(back to top) (back to Green Tags)
Energy Efficiency
Where can I get tips on becoming more energy efficient?
There are many sites available on the internet. Try some of these:
(back to top)
About SOAR
What does SOAR mean?
SOAR Energy is short for Solar and Renewable Energy Buyers Cooperative.
(back to top)
What is a cooperative?
Cooperatives are legally recognized associations of individuals who have a common interest. Cooperatives are owned by their members. SOAR Energy was created to provide cost-effective, environmentally sound energy options to members.
(back to top)
How does SOAR Energy operate as a cooperative?
SOAR Energy, like all cooperatives, follows the Seven Principles that differentiate them from other types of companies. Communication is an essential part of a cooperative’s success. SOAR Energy welcomes the participation of cooperative members, and asks that members voice their opinions, concerns, and desires regarding the products and services we offer.
(back to top)
Who makes up SOAR Energy’s Board of Directors?
SOAR Energy’s Board of Directors is made up of a variety of professionals including directors in weatherization, public housing authorities, energy program managers, and community action agency coordinators.
(back to top)
About Us Contact Us Join Us Natural Gas Green Tags Efficiency Products FAQs Home
SOAR Energy
1207 Grandview Ave., Ste. 201
Columbus, OH 43212-3449
Toll-free: (877) 439-3706
Fax: (614) 487-7510
E-mail: soar@soarenergy.org
© 2003 SOAR Energy
All Rights Reserved
| 
