Lacey to Pursue Multi-Town Energy Aggregation Plan

Lacey Township officials have signed off on a plan that would result in energy savings for township residents as part of a multi-town agreement.

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.

Locally, Toms River began its energy aggregation program this month.

But Lacey's program will be slightly different in that a number of municipalities will partner together in order to obtain the best possible rate, said Mayor David Most.

"Hopefully we can get 150,000 customers together," said Most. "The more customers you have, the lower the price."

Stafford Township, Most said, will seek rates for the program. The other municipalities included in the plan are Berkeley Township, Manchester, Jackson and Egg Harbor.

"They're all in it as well, passing the same resolutions," said Most, who also touted the program as one that can protect residents against energy scams.

Senior citizens in the area have complained of ripoffs, with energy companies "low-balling" them with a reduced rate, then jacking it up over time.

Most said he signed up with an energy supplier who promised him an eight cent rate, only to have it jump to 14 cents.

Toms River's rate under the aggregation program is about nine cents.

The program will likely begin in all of the participating municipalities after Stafford receives bids and awards a contract.