Politics & Government
Stafford Council Tables Energy Consultant Discussion Until July 15
Proposed joint energy aggregation project with Lacey and Manchester would give towns more buying power, Township Administrator says
by Patricia A. Miller
Representatives of an energy aggregation consulting firm will be at the July 15 Township Council meeting to discuss an energy aggregation proposal with township officials.
Although June 10 consent agenda included a resolution to go out to bid for an energy aggregation firm, Township Councilman Henry J. Mancini said he would vote no without more information.
"We had discussed energy aggregation some time ago and there were a lot of questions," Mancini said. "Certainly I have some trepidation about it."
Mancini said he had just received notice about the agenda item the day of the meeting and did not think there was enough information to make a decision.
"I don't know enough about the details, therefore I'm not comfortable enough with it. I will vote no."
Township Administrator James Moran said he would arrange for representatives of Gables Associates to answer any questions council members might have.
Stafford has discussed joining with Lacey and Manchester townships in an energy aggregation project that could save residents of all three municipalities money on electric bills.
"The best course of action is go out to public bid...and then hire a consultant who will put together a plan for aggregation and will actually bid on the open market for energy prices," Moran said.
Energy aggregation could increase the buying power of the three towns. But residents can always opt out of the program, he said.
If the energy cost estimates come in higher that Atlantic Electric prices, the township would not be obliged to accept the bid, Moran said.
"If it doesn't benefit the community, we don't do it," he said.
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