On June 19, the Bayonne City Council is expected to begin the process of creating an energy and natural gas aggregation program, which lawmakers say could save customers millions.

By "aggregating" the power supply in Bayonne, the city would be able negotiate on behalf of all energy customers in Bayonne and receive a bulk rate for the energy homes and businesses consumer.

City officials said that this process could potentially lead to a significant reduction in electricity bills throughout the city.

"Hopefully, we'll see a 20 percent decrease in the utilities bills of customers who participate in the program," said Bayonne Business Administrator Stephen Gallo. "Collectively, it's expected to save $6 million. That $6 million is money that residents get for doing nothing and can spend in the community or improving their homes."

According to Gallo, this process of aggregation, which Mayor Mark Smith is spearheading, is a possible thanks to a series of relatively new laws that took effect "in the past year or two."

Bayonne is one of the first municipalities in the state to join the aggregation program.

"It's an opportunity to provide a comprehensive program to purchase electricity and harness the purchasing power of the entire community to provide a much better rate," said Gallo.

Gallo also said that residents and business owners can choose to opt out of the aggregation program. However, Gallo said that this decision would most likely lead to more expensive bills for those who choose not to aggregate.

Gallo said that, after "shopping around" for the best price, the city could lock into a deal with a new supplier as early as the end of summer.

The item will be considered on Wednesday, June 19 at the Bayonne City Council meeting, which is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Also on the agenda is a hearing for the adding, moving, and deleting of several restricted parking zones as well as a new ordinance regarding the adding and moving of several more restricted parking zones.

The Bayonne City Council will also be awarding several contracts, including one for the Bayonne Police Department's "crime mapping and wireless caller locator software."

The City Council will also vote on a resolution regarding access to a road that will allow for preliminary construction on the Bayonne Bridge.