Lacey Council to Vote on Energy Aggregation Bids Thursday

The Lacey Township council will vote Thursday night on whether to seek bids to enter into an energy aggregation agreement that will cover all township residents.

Unlike most bids, the council will not be seeking to spend money – but, rather, to find the lowest bidder to undercut Jersey Central Power & Light in order to provide a reduced energy rate town-wide.

The energy aggregation program, authorized under state statute, has become more popular in recent years. Toms River started its program this month, and Brick Township officials are moving forward with a similar plan.

Under such a program, the township would give a company permission to be the energy supplier for all of the township's households. Each electrical customer would still receive a bill from Jersey Central Power and Light, call JCP&L regarding outages or problems and, in most respects, never notice a change. But one line on the monthly bill – the supplier of energy – would change from JCP&L's "Basic Generation Service" to another company.

Residents would have retain the ability to opt out or choose their own energy supplier, however by law, the company chosen by the township would be legally obligated to charge below JCP&L's rate, thus guaranteeing a savings to residents.

Toms River's program is expected to save customers about 12 percent in energy generation costs.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the municipal complex. Also on the agenda:

• A disciplinary matter between the Alcoholic Beverage Control commission and Forked River House will be put on the record.
• The council will vote on selling and vacating a portion of Third Street.
• An ordinance on solar and wind facilities will be discussed.