Township Energy Savings Program Met With Criticism at Info Session

A program aiming to save Toms River residents about 10 percent on their monthly electric bills was met with some criticism this week when the details were presented to the public. 

Approved at the council's Feb. 11 meeting, the program with energy consultant Gable Associates of Highland Park promises to offer residents a savings on their bills, according to officials. Some at a Tuesday evening public information session detailing the program said that the township should stay out of the energy business.

"It just seems very 'Big Brother'-ish to me," said resident Gail Miller, who criticized the opt-out nature of the program.

Residents automatically will be entered into the program unless they respond to an upcoming mailing — either by returning a postcard or calling a toll-free number within 30 days — to decline participation. 

It remains unclear just how much savings residents will see on their electric bills once the program kicks in, since the bid process has yet to be completed. Bids are expected to be solicited in mid-to-late-April, so savings may be seen by residents this summer. 

"We're not sure what it is yet," said Council President George Wittmann. "We have to see when it goes to bid."

Plumstead, used as an example by Robert Chilton, executive vice president for Gable Associates, was able to realize a 14 percent savings for residents on their electric bills. When the program was first discussed by the township at a September meeting, Toms River administrators said that about a 10 percent savings may be realized.

Under the program, JCP&L remains responsible for the electricity distribution and others purchase it from their grid. By pooling many customers together, such as a township, aggregators are able to buy in bulk at a reduced rate and pass on the savings.

The township makes no money on the program; residents are not charged to enroll and may opt-out at any time with no penalty or termination fee, Chilton said. Electric bills will remain the same in appearance and customers can continue to call JCP&L for any service issues.

The township is prohibited to use a company outside of JCP&L should the bids return with unfavorable figures. 

"If the bids come in higher than JCP&L, we cannot enter into the contract. It's over," said township attorney Kenneth Fitzsimmons. 

Energy aggregation programs used to operate under an opt-in model, but that process yielded insignificant results for enrollment. The law was changed to allow for an opt-out procedure. 

"You couldn't do it on your own so you're getting the township to do it for you," resident George Schuck said to Chilton, referring to energy aggregation solicitations made to residents that go ignored.

Ortley Beach resident Debra Martin expressed frustration that the township used its resources to implement the energy aggregation program while many in her neighborhoood remain devastated in Superstorm Sandy's wake. 

"I'm not worried about electric right now," she said in a heated exchange with the council. "I want to get in my house."

Those who have already enrolled in an energy aggregation program will stay with their supplier, according to the township, and budget plans are not affected. A list of frequently asked questions has been posted to the township website.