Manchester Council Continues Quest for Energy Savings

The Manchester Township Council at its July 8 meeting indicated it is time to make a decision about energy aggregation in an effort to save the town and its residents money on their energy bills.

A 2003 state law allows municipalities, either alone or in a group, to combine the energy requirements of residential, commercial and municipal accounts so they can purchase energy from non-utility sellers of electricity or gas at lower prices.  

"We either have got to do this or not do it," said Council President Craig Wallis. "We just have to make sure it's right for our town."

The Council has already had presentations from two suppliers, Colonial Power Group and Gabel Associates. Councilman Brendan Weiner said he will try to set up a presentation for the next township council meeting from a third company, Good Energy, which is looking at selling energy on a regional basis to a group of municipalities in New Jersey.

"We have an opportunity to team up with more municipalities," said Weiner. "They can offer residents a package at a rate with savings they might not see."

Weiner said with Good Energy, the towns would purchase energy for residents with an opt-out clause which would give residents not interested in participating the ability to choose not to join. When asked why it is not an "opt-in" program, Weiner said there needs to be enough people in the program to make it feasible.

"There would be no change in delivery; it would still be JCP&L," he said. "And, the new carrier would never exceed the cost of JCP&L. They would always have a cost savings."

If they decide to move forward, the council discussed forming a subcommittee to work out an agreement with a provider that would fit their custom needs.

"We would go out to bid for a one-year contract where we would be locked in for a fixed rate but we would have the opportunity to reassess that rate," said Weiner. "We would constantly be watching to get the best possible rate."

Good Energy has been in offering its service since 2008 and has helped a group of 111 towns in Illinois save money.

Councilman Samuel Fusaro said seeing the proposal would be helpful.

"It sounds great but after a period of time doesn't look so good," said Fusaro. "We need to make sure we get what they promise."

Weiner said Good Energy has been doing this for years and has had a lot of success.  He said he expects that residents will save between 10 and 15 percent on their energy bills.