Energy Aggregation Program Could Join Manchester, Lacey, Stafford

Manchester may partner with Stafford, Lacey and possibly other towns to contract with a third-party electrical provider, but the township is still early in the process.

A resident asked at the Monday night Manchester Township Council meeting if a contract has been signed and when a contract would be available for public viewing.

"That's assuming there will be a contract," said Municipal Attorney Steven Secare.

Councilman Brendan Weiner said the township is still in the phase of researching information about possibly contracting with an alternate energy provider.

"There is no contract in place," Weiner said. "The next step is to contract with an agent."

That will most likely be done through Stafford Township, which would contract with an agent on behalf of Stafford, Manchester and most likely Lacey, Weiner said.

"We let Stafford know we're interested and Stafford will go out to bid for an agent," Weiner said. "Lacey is also involved.

"After an agent is hired, then we would find a supplier. Then we get a rate. If we see savings and we're all happy with it, we'll have a contract.

"I want the process to be as open and transparent as possible, so when there are developments I will report that at council meetings," Weiner said.

A  proposed contract, if there ultimately is one, will be available for public viewing prior to being signed, Weiner said. The council members do not sign contracts, that is done by the mayor.

However, prior to the mayor signing any such contract, there would be a resolution on a council agenda authorizing the mayor to sign it, Secare said.

In October, council members voted 3-2 to explore the possibility of contracting with a different electrical provider.

In other business, the township council will hold its annual organization meeting at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 2. The only other council meeting in January will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 27.