County Secures Direct Energy Contracts Following Finance Committee Review

Montgomery County Finance and Budget Committee | April 2026

Article Summary: The Montgomery County Finance and Budget Committee recommended approval of a 36-month utility contract with Direct Energy following a presentation by third-party brokers from Tradition Energy.

County Finance and Utility Key Points:

• The committee approved a 36-month fixed-pricing contract with Direct Energy at $4.479 for natural gas.

• A 36-month capacity pricing agreement was also approved for electricity at a rate of .0610 plus supplier costs.

• The county’s Coal Fund balance sits at $10.8 million following a February royalty payment of $52,273.98.

• The county will seek a refund from Bruce Harris following its acquisition by Beacon.

The Montgomery County Finance and Budget Committee on Thursday, April 9, 2026, locked in the county’s utility rates for the next three years, approving a pair of contracts with Direct Energy.

Michael Skelton and Justin Heid of Tradition Energy appeared virtually before the committee to present their analysis of electric and natural gas bids. Following their recommendation, the committee voted unanimously to accept Direct Energy’s proposal for a 36-month electricity capacity contract at a rate of .0610 plus supplier costs, which represents a slight increase over previous rates. The committee also secured a 36-month fixed pricing contract for natural gas at $4.479, which Tradition Energy noted was a slight decrease.

The committee also received a highly positive financial update regarding the county’s Coal Fund. The committee reviewed a February royalty payment totaling $52,273.98, bringing the total Coal Fund balance to a robust $10.8 million. Treasurer Nikki Lohman reported that several county investments have recently matured, resulting in increased interest income across the board.

In technology matters, County Board Administrator Mike Plunkett reported that the county will abandon its planned transition to the Bruce Harris GIS platform. Because the Bruce Harris firm was recently purchased by Beacon—the county’s current GIS provider—the switch is no longer necessary. Plunkett and Supervisor of Assessments Tysha Mullen have formally requested a refund for the contract money previously paid to Bruce Harris.

Looking ahead to the next fiscal year, the committee officially kicked off the FY2027 budget cycle. Plunkett presented the UCCI Salary Study and the county’s Collective Bargaining Agreements for 2027, which the committee will review over the next month before recommending wage changes and starting salaries. The committee also tentatively scheduled the FY2027 Budget Hearings for August 18 and 19, beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day.