Energy Savings Program's Automatic Enrollment a Concern

Written by Dakota Schrantz. 

Though energy aggregation in Manchester promises to save residents money on their monthly electric bills, some are concerned by the program’s automatic enrollment.

Based on the average use of kilowatts per hour in New Jersey, an aggregation program could save Manchester residents 15 percent on their energy bill, which is about $160-230 per year per household, said Charles C. de Casteja, managing partner of GoodEnergy aggregation, during a Township Council presentation held Monday.

But some, like resident Ginny Martin, do not support the proposal because residents would be automatically enrolled unless they indicate otherwise. Residents should have the option to opt-in to the program instead, giving them more of a choice in the matter.

“This is just big government trying to control us,” she said. “I think the people need a voice in this.”

Councilman Charles L. Frattini, Sr. said that he understands the concern among residents regarding the opt-out program. The community wants to avoid big government, he said, and they believe that the opt-out program is giving government too much control.

“People don’t want to be told what to do,” Frattini said. “I feel strongly that people should opt-in if they want it.”

GoodEnergy was the third aggregate supplier to come before the council. The company deals in regional energy aggregation, said councilman Brendan Weiner, which combines several municipalities in one agreement to save more money.

“This can save you money by buying energy at a bulk rate,” said Weiner.

The GoodEnergy program is already being used by 15 percent of New Jersey, de Casteja said. Energy aggregation programs have been or are soon to be adopted in Jackson, Brick, Lakewood, Stafford and Toms River.

Once adopted by the municipality, participating residents would then have one bill and one payment, without complications, said de Casteja. Infrastructure, billing and customer support would continue to be handled by JCP&L.

Resident Jaclyn Blanche voiced support for the program, as it gives residents another way to save.

“We’ve always had to use JCP&L, and never said anything about it before,” she said. “This is actually giving us a chance to choose.”

Martin said that other options like solar panels are also ways to save money, while keeping people independent.

Weiner said that the council won’t come to a decision just yet, but energy aggregation is something that they will continue to consider.

“This is an opportunity to save money for the community,” said Weiner. “It comes down to the decision of what’s the most important to the people.”

Weiner said that the council has been looking into this for a year, and hope to bid on the energy suppliers by the fall.