Matthew Moench espousing energy socialism? In league with the Sierra Club? And, from the gvt and here to help? The new Teabagger? A green party member too?lol
Only 5 states have passed specific legislation that allows community energy aggregation: Ohio, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and California.
This particular NJ legislation has been around since 2011and one town has adopted it, as Mr Moench offers no empircal data to support the claim of reduced energy costs?
In GOD we trust, all others bring data sound familiar?

http://njccea.org/about-3/

1. Does the CCA buy and operate the electricity infrastructure?
2. Who maintains the electricity infrastructure?
3. What happens when the energy purchased does not meet demand? Does the CCA have rolling blackouts?
4. Who puts up the money for the purchase by the CCA?
5. Who is responsible for the costs of running the CCA if there are unexpected costs, such as from a natural disaster?
6. Do those operating the CCA become public employees instead of private employees. Getting the same bloated pay and retirement benefits that are currently bankrupting most cities and counties in California?
7. Who is responsible if the CCA goes bankrupt or can not provide service as needed?

sj cac asks

While there's certainly some questions to ask, I am sure glad that the township's looking at this. If we can really save a couple hundred dollars a year it is worth it to me.

They eliminate individual preferences – there are complained –and they are merited – that these programs ‘force’ people into using products that may not suit their tastes, but they are compelled to use them since the deal has already been sealed. People may also purchase items that they may not necessarily need from peer pressure or the need to conform. In a free market people should be able to select the energy provider of their choice and not be forced into something they do not want or need.
You have to sign in – aggregation programs are a form of clubs whereby you have to join in order to enjoy the benefit. Some people find the idea of joining a program in order to buy a product to be funny. It is one thing to join forces to get energy insulating solutions, while it is quite another to join up to purchase a mere water heater.
Open to manipulation – while municipal energy aggregation programs have been drummed up to be transparent and certain, there are situations whereby the process is infiltrated with fraud, corruption and dealings in order to get tenders.
Cumbersome – Due to the scale of operation involved, these programs can be tedious when it comes to issues like processing refunds as well as offering personal customer service.

citypowerchoice.com

This article is almost useless. Neither PSE&G nor JCP&L provide 'power' as implied here..they buy gas and electricity individually from third party energy suppliers. Individual residents can choose alternative suppliers...I have for the past year saved about 15% on electricity, but PSE&G gas rates were lower than I could obtain. The state mandates certain requirements on PSE&G and JCP&L contracts when buying power....individuals can sometimes do better. Unless Bridgewater can negotiate lower rates than I can buy online, they should not get involved....federal and state government has already made a general mess of this.

http://njccea.org/about-3/
New Jersey Community Clean Energy Aggregation
County and Municipal Electricity Generation, Purchasing, and Conservation

I want no part of such a silly 'man made global warming' organization.
Even the head of the UN IPCC [the radical environmentalist Rajendra K. Pachauri] -has just admitted there has been no measurable global warming for 17 years. ALL their fear mongering has proven FALSE. I already pay higher rates for unnecessary gasoline blends, ethanol, electric cars projects,none which produce a useful nor financial benefit. Let the market pick winners and loser, not politicians. If you think the government will take care of you, reconsider the plight of the American Indian.

Why not look into Solar for Bridgewater and it's citizens?

Maybe it's time Bridgewater elects more progressive thinkers that are up with the times.

Solar power is available without up front costs from a variety of sources....Home Depot and Lowes for example have contractors that will put solar on your home or property if the orientation allows it...It's typically a 20 year contract for roof installations...they own, maintain, you get discounted power.
Solar power is still uneconomical and only makes sense because government subsidizes it via tax incentives. It's a silly green project benefit where homeowners get savings not available to the disadvantaged.

My experience with buying power from North American Power has not been good. Except for teaser rates which lasted a few months, and about a 1 cent per unit saving for a few additional months, the North American Power rates were more than JCP&L. I have now switched back to JCP&L. Unless the city can enter into a long term contract with one of these providers, there is no saying whether the city will save or spend more on energy. I would suggest extreme caution.

Robert Young for Bridgewater Councilman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When residents of this town stop blindly pulling the Republican switch each election cycle we will get new leadership. It's not any better with what the Dems offer also. Ms. Rose without a doubt needs to go first. She hasn't met a tax she doesn't vote for.

Actually I am waiting to meet with Dr. Ben Carson right now. Dr. Carson is and idol of mine and after that I may have a better feel for things. I am retired now and have the time as I would love to hear some problems some may have.

I sure hope Ms. Rose tax's that she votes for does not go for any type of handouts unless they are needed. As that is one thing I do not tolerate at the national level.

Everybody needs to calm down. It's not like we are actually going to get money back out of this deal. Taxes will go up somewhere.