The Township Council is looking to enter into an energy aggregation program that could reduce homeowners’ electric bills up to 10 percent, but first it is holding two public information sessions before moving
By Charley Falkenberg, Special Writer
MONROE — The Township Council is looking to enter into an energy aggregation program that could reduce homeowners’ electric bills up to 10 percent, but first it is holding two public information sessions before moving forward.
Under the Monroe Township Community Energy Aggregation (MTCEA) program, the township is able to essentially shop around for a cheaper third-party energy supplier while still using Jersey Central Power and Light (JCP&L) as its delivery company.
The council has already selected the Gabel Associates energy consulting firm to see what kind of bids it can negotiate on behalf of Monroe at no cost to residents
However, before the bidding process starts, the Township Council is holding two open public forums to better educate the community on the program and answer any questions people might have.
The first opportunity will be at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the Senior Center on Halsey Reed Road. The second open forum will at 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the Community Center on Monmouth Road.
In the best case scenario, Kenny Esser, a senior associate at Gabel Associates, estimated they would go out to bid for third-party energy supplies at the end of October. Going by the company’s track record,
Mr. Esser said they could probably find a company that could reduce residential utility bills anywhere from five to 10 percent, or around $100 per household.
If Monroe joins the program, it would join the ranks of Plumsted and Toms River, which also hired Gabel Associates to find a cheaper third-party energy supplier for its community.
According to Mr. Esser, each Plumsted household was able to shave $175 off its utility bill, resulting in township-wide savings of $400,000.
Should the Township Council select a third-party energy company, it would officially enter the program and all residents who don’t already have a third-party energy supplier would automatically be opted in.
Those who do not want to be part of the program would be able to opt out at any time with no penalties attached. Residents and businesses that want in on the program would be able to opt in at any time as well.
”There are a lot of advantages for residents and there is a lot of consumer protections built into the program,” said Mr. Esser. “The transparency and consumer protections really help make it a solid program for residents.”
Mr. Esser said that if the township selects a company, they would most likely enter a two-year contract and that after those two years, the bidding process for the cheapest third-party energy supplier would begin all over again.
For more information, residents can visit the township website at www.monroetwp.com and click on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) link about the energy aggregation program.