MANCHESTER – The bidding process for energy aggregation will remain open for 120 days, even though the township is currently not moving forward on it.
The township sought bids from energy companies, in hopes that a third party might provide savings compared to JCP&L’s rates. What happens with deals like this is that a third party supplies the electricity, but JCP&L charges for use of the power lines. After the bids were in, it was determined that the lowest price offer received came in 3.3 percent higher than the average JCP&L tariff price.
Councilman James Vaccaro said during a Township Council meeting that while there has been “a recommendation of no award” at this time, the bidding process will remain open for 120 days.
“If the market becomes more favorable, in a short period of time, we will go out again and solicit new bids for the energy aggregation program for Manchester and Plumsted townships,” he said. Plumsted is included because the two municipalities have a joint agreement.
Vaccaro is a strong proponent of the township’s municipal energy plan that utilizes alternative “renewable energy sources for example extensive use of solar energy. A follow up to our status of our 10-year master energy plan and energy audits being performed by the state of New Jersey for municipalities.”
“I’ve been advised by our administration just recently that we already working on a plan and preparing to edit the audit by the state of New Jersey,” he said.
Vaccaro also provided a bit of Manchester pride in his remarks during that same meeting, “everyone should be proud of being a resident of Manchester Township, the gemstone of the Jersey Shore.” The official has been touting that slogan for the community and to promote the township as a destination point for tourism and as a means to draw more commercial and family operated businesses to the town.
Vaccaro has also repeatedly mentioned the need for a medical facility to come to the community as a job driver and to serve the community’s medical needs noting the high number of seniors who are residents of Manchester.
He noted that the employees of the township “work very hard every day so we can achieve the status that Manchester Township is the best place to reside in Ocean County.”
Vaccaro said he visited the recently opened site of New Horizons in Whiting. New Horizons In Autism, Inc. is a provider operating as a Day Training, Developmentally Disabled Services. “I discussed the program with the curriculum manager and met with staff members.
“The program is designed to assist autistic young adults who have graduated from high school to seniors,” Vaccaro said.
He and Mayor Robert Arace attended the recently held Pizza with Police event at Café Napoli. “The event was well attended.” He added that the mayor and entire council attended opening day ceremonies of the Manchester Township Little League.
In other news, Councilman Joseph Hankins promoted a June 1 fishing derby. “Tell your children and grandchildren. Make sure you come out. The PAL does a great job providing fishing poles, lures, bait. It is a good event and I’d like to see more participation.”
Statewide, June 1 is Free Fishing Day, when a fishing license and trout stamp is not required for anyone age 16 and over. The Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Youth Fishing Challenge is a free statewide event to promote fishing among youths and their families.
The goal of the event is to have at least one Youth Fishing Challenge event in all 21 counties. This event is sponsored by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife.
Councilwoman Michele Zolezi added during her report that the Hooked On Fishing program was “absolutely wonderful. I’ve always been a proponent of supporting youth and I think this is a great program. It isn’t just a fishing day so anyone who has neighbors or anybody involved, they do a great job.”
“It was really great to see everyone during the opening day ceremony. This is the 61st year and it was great to see our residents there and the Little League is a great organization just like our soccer, football and cheerleading groups. If you don’t already participate, I urge you to participate in our town. We have some great programs,” she added.
She also noted April 22 was Earth Day and urged anyone interested in green causes to check out the town’s Environmental Commission. Information about them is available on the town’s website at manchestertwp.com/committees/environmental-commission/. They can be reached at environmentalcommission@manchestertwp.com and 732-657-8121.
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