CREST HAVEN – Powerful savings: freeholders approved a two-year contract at the May 12 meeting that will save an estimated $254,000 annually for the county by utilizing Constellation/NewEnergy to provide electricity to its offices. Eleven municipalities will also see savings in electric bills by being part of the South Jersey Power Cooperative.
Acting Purchasing Agent Kevin Lare told the board all 16 municipalities were informed of their ability to join along with the county. The five that opted not to join cannot become part of the cooperative for another two years he said.
Contract over contract, Lare said the county would save $127,000 in one year or $254,000 over two years on electricity. If the county were to purchase electricity on its own, Lare said it would pay $399,000.
“I never imagined the savings to be that large,” commented Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton.
Camden County was lead agency in the venture. It advertised for bids and secured a contract for electric generation supply services for $0.07367 per kilowatt hour. Constellation was deemed the lowest of responsible bidders for the secondary service electric accounts in the Atlantic City Electric Co. service territory, according to the resolution.
Although the county will not sign a contract directly with Constellation, it will adhere to terms and conditions of the master contract.
Electrical service under the cooperative will start in June and will not exceed two years.
Lare termed the bid “monstrous” with a great deal of technical information contained therein.
Also along the line of joint purchasing, Lower Cape May Regional School District was approved by freeholders to join in its fuel resale process through June 6, 2016.
In other action the board:
Approved a change order for $11,686 with MJJ Construction LLC for the new leopard exhibit at the zoo. It provides for extra netting fabric and pool modifications.
Approved resolution urging the president to recognize the plight of American citizens “unjustly imprisoned and facing death in Iranian governmental custody.”
Designated May as Older Americans Month in Cape May County. The county recognizes successes and sacrifices of older people in the community.”
Recognized and honored the service of law enforcement officers and encouraged citizens of the county to wear or display blue ribbons on May 15 to show support. Small blue ribbons were distributed to all in attendance.
Amended an earlier resolution “which changes the appointment date of Kevin Lare, acting county purchasing agent from Dec. 9, 2014 to Oct. 3, 2014.”
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
