Manchester Energy Aggregation Plan: Get Your Questions Answered

MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township officials have signed a contract with a different supplier for its communitywide energy aggregation program.

The new contract, with Energy Harbor, begins in December 2021, officials said. The current energy aggregation contract, with Constellation New Energy, ends in October.

Energy aggregation programs use bulk purchasing power to get a lower rate for electricity than that offered by Jersey Central Power & Light.

Manchester officials said the two-year contract with Energy Harbor is anticipated to save "the typical township resident" more than $100 over the 24 months, "with no change to the level of service," officials said.

Because the Constellation New Energy Contract ends in October, township residents will be switched over to JCP&L for two months until the Energy Harbor contract takes over.

Participation in the energy aggregation program is not mandatory. Residents who do not wish to participate in the program for any reason can opt-out using this form.

Those who take no action are automatically be enrolled in the program and receive the reduced rate.

For those who have questions about the program, Gabel Associates, the town's energy consultant, will have a representative at Manchester Town Hall to answer questions from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 7, 8, 12 and 13.

Energy Harbor may be reached at 1-866-636-3749.

Here are some of the frequently asked questions, and answers from Manchester officials:

How does the MCEA program contract price compare to the JCP&L tariff price for electricity supply?

The price of $0.08580 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) is more than 10% below the average JCP&L tariff price for power supply. Although JCP&L tariff prices are expected to drop somewhat next year, and savings will vary by month based upon usage levels and periodic fluctuations in the actual JCP&L price-to-compare, the average Township resident is still projected to save more than $100 over the full contract as compared to the average JCP&L tariff price-to-compare over that time period. Those residents that have all-electric homes will likely save more than $100.

Does the price vary as energy market conditions change?

No. This is a non-variable price that does not change with market conditions. Unlike some third-party supply contracts, the price is locked in through a contract with the Township and will not fluctuate after an initial "teaser" period.

If I participate in the program, how does this affect my utility bill and service?

Your JCP&L bill includes separate charges for delivery service and for power supply service (i.e., Basic Generation Service). JCP&L will still provide delivery service and read your meter, and you will still receive a single bill from JCP&L which will continue to include the JCP&L delivery charges, but the utility Basic Generation Service charges for power supply will be replaced by the charges offered by the Township’s chosen supplier, Energy Harbor.

Even if you participate in the program, JCP&L will still be responsible for service reliability and restoration.

Read more frequently asked questions here.

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