Springfield Enters New Energy Cooperative

Springfield Township selected Jersey Energy Group (JEG) to broker residential energy savings and to provide education programs regarding the new cooperative program for its residents at Tuesday's committee meeting. 

“Our priority is the residents and business owners of Springfield, and our main objectives in partnering with Jersey Energy Group are to save our taxpayers money and to help each individual to understand the program and be comfortable with the changes,” said Anthony Cancro, Springfield Township Administrator in a press release from JEG.  “We are confident that JEG is the right partner to help us accomplish this goal, and they have a plan in place to help us educate our residents and business owners right off the bat.” 

Municipal aggregation allows townships to enter into agreements with energy brokers to purchase energy at reduced costs, with the resulting savings being passed along to all program participants. All township residents are automatically enrolled unless they actively choose not to participate, according to JEG. 

In the press release, JEG stated that it will engage Springfield residents directly through education and outreach to avoid misunderstandings, reduce opt-out numbers, and ultimately, create successful programs. Based on its prior experience in Illinois, one of two states that recently pioneered municipal aggregation programs, JEG found that more educated consumers have lower opt-out rates. In turn, that higher participation rate leads to reduced energy prices making the program beneficial for all, according to JEG.

“It is our firm belief that the key to successful aggregation is community education and communication. In order for a township to achieve a positive outcome, it is absolutely critical to establish broad support and awareness at the outset,” said Stephen Thayer, Principal, JEG in the press release.  “Our philosophy is to always take the care and effort to ensure the understanding and comfort of each resident and business owner, and we look forward to working closely with the residents and township committee in Springfield to help them achieve this goal. This approach has delivered a successful result in every community we have worked in.” 

JEG has secured its position as the lead broker in New Jersey energy aggregation by teaming with the Princeton Public Affairs Group (PPAG) and its sister company, Princeton Strategic Communications Group (PSCG), the release stated.

PPAG is the largest state-focused public affairs firm in the country, and through its extensive government relationships, JEG is in discussions with municipal audiences throughout the state. PSCG, the communications arm of PPAG, will work with JEG to educate Springfield residents through direct mail, local media outreach, town hall meetings and social media networking.  

“We were deeply impressed with JEG’s experience converting residents and their commitment to education really set them apart from other broker agents. JEG’s unique partnership with Princeton Public Affairs and Princeton Strategic Communications offered us something no other broker did, and we are pleased to offer their program to the people of Springfield Township,” Cancro stated.