Grower Energy Solutions

Run by growers, for growers

Grower Energy Solutions (GES) helps manage your natural gas and electric (First Energy Territory only for electricity) costs. This program is designed to help save on your energy bills by utilizing the strength of group buying. By grouping together, GES can leverage your buying power to shop the market and secure the best deals possible for you.

All members of the ONLA are eligible for this program administered by the Maumee Valley Growers (a program of University of Toledo Urban Affairs Center) with support from Palmer Energy, a 25 year old company headquartered in Toledo.

Maumee Valley Growers (MVG) began saving money on utilities for more than 25 growers in Northwest Ohio in late summer 2006. In the fall of 2007 the program was offered statewide. It currently has nearly 100 members in Ohio and Michigan.

Not a co-op, Growers Energy Solutions is a 100% voluntary program designed to allow individual users to join together, creating a larger entity with greater purchasing advantages.

MVG understands the agricultural business with its challenges and special concerns.

The GES program is designed specifically to meet growers’ needs. Growers from all regions of Ohio are on advisory board and only growers make decisions. A monthly advisory board convenes through a conference call to discuss progress and a newsletter is sent out containing program updates.

Pooling concept

• Large buying group provides price leverage
• Benefits both large and small growers, everyone pays the same cost

Save on Natural Gas

• Historically, average savings on your gas costs - 8 to 15%
• Both choice and transport users benefit

Voluntary participation

• Not a co-op – your involvement is voluntary
• No fixed volumes
• No lengthy contracts

Personal Energy Consultant

• Team designated to take care of your specific industry energy needs
• Unbiased representation on your behalf
• Guidance available for individual grower’s energy concerns

Palmer Energy Company

• GES Advisory Board Member
• Independent energy consultant (not a broker)
• Expert in procurement, including buying, selling and transporting of natural gas and electricity
• Contracts for interstate pipeline capacity and local utility delivery

MVG charges a small per unit fee, added into the basis portion of your bill. Historically, with this charge, you still pay extremely competitive basis charges and have an energy consultant working for you. Fees are used for program administration.

Palmer Energy has been selected to facilitate the procurement of your energy needs and implement various basis and hedge strategies. Palmer Energy is a fully independent energy consulting firm with no interest in suppliers or utilities, ensuring unbiased representation on your behalf.

GES Application

Click here to open the GES program application