Utilities Authority Lowers Energy Costs

The Western Monmouth Utilities Authority (WMUA), located in Manalapan, will buy electricity from Hudson Energy LLC per a two year agreement, the WMUA said on July 25. The Authority issued a statement explaining that the plant and its 29 pump stations will be powered by electricity from the company which comes out of Suffern, New York. 

The contract between the WMUA and Hudson Energy will result in an approximate 25 percent reduction in electricity costs within the next two years, according to the WMUA’s press release. 

In a further effort to lower costs, the WMUA will also purchase power fostered by solar panels. The panels, which will be installed by Vanguard Energy Partners LLC, will be located on the WMUA’s property. The contract with Vanguard Energy Partners will last 15 years and will decrease electricity costs by 75 percent, the release said. The panels put out about one megawatt of power annually, saving the WMUA an estimated $100,000 a year. 

“We are extremely proud of our employees’ efforts in managing our cots, allowing for stability in customer charges during these difficult economic times,” WMUA Commissioner Steven Toubin said. “These activities, among others, have enabled the WMUA to maintain the same rates for the last six years to its approximately 26,000 customers located in Manalapan, Marlboro, Englishtown and portions of Freehold Township.”