For Immediate Release:	Contact: Peter Peretzman
Date: 11/23/2020	609-900-5626

Trenton, N.J.—The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is reminding residents about money-saving opportunities that can reduce energy use and maximize a home’s comfort as the winter season approaches. The agency’s statewide public education campaign “Lighting the Way to a Clean Energy Future” highlights the numerous rebates, incentives, and utility assistance programs available to homeowners, renters, and businesses through New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program™ (NJCEP).

 

“With many New Jerseyans struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic, we are urging residents to see how our rebates and incentives can help keep more money in your pocket while making your home more comfortable,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Our Clean Energy Program offers many no-cost and low-cost solutions that can make a substantial difference on your monthly bill, especially with heating bills climbing as we enter the winter months. These programs, coupled with simple energy-saving tips, can bring financial relief to those in need.”

 

New Jerseyans can save energy and get ahead of winter heating bills with these tips:

 

Adjust your ceiling fan – In the winter, fans should circulate clockwise to pull cool air up and redistribute warm air throughout a room, to keep the wind chill away. While adjusting your fan, make sure to check lightbulbs and replace old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs for extra savings.

 

Eliminate drafts and cold spots – A drafty home could mean there are gaps or cracks in the walls or ceiling. While drafts are most noticeable in doors or windows, they can also be located in other areas of your home. To reduce heating costs and improve comfort, fill the gaps with caulk or spray foam insulation and install weather stripping around doors and windows. Consider NJCEP’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint through energy efficient upgrades to heating systems and water heaters.

 

Lower utility bills through energy efficiency measures – Outdated and inefficient home appliances are a major contributor to high energy bills. Take advantage of NJCEP’s Appliance Rebate Program to upgrade to energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® models of washers, dryers, water heaters, heating units, refrigerators, and heat pumps. These modern units use considerably less energy, putting more money back in your pocket each month.

 

Unplug personal devices and avoid phantom energy loss­ – Many electronic devices that are left plugged in still consume energy even when turned off. These often include smart televisions, computers, printers, security systems, programmable coffee makers, and cell phone chargers. Some devices offer a power-down or sleep mode, which can be utilized to save energy. Electronics without these modes should be unplugged when not in use, or plugged into smart power strips that can be turned off as needed.

 

Access free home improvements to reduce utility bills – The Comfort Partners program helps low-income New Jersey residents reduce their utility bills by implementing energy efficiency measures completely free of charge. Eligible participants can save energy and money while improving the safety and comfort of their home through free improvements such as: insulation upgrades, thermostats, heating equipment maintenance, air sealing, and hot water conservation measures.

 

To learn more about financial incentives, rebates, and programs available through NJCEP, visit njcleanenergy.com.

 

 

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)

NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents. To find out more about NJBPU, visit our website at www.nj.gov/bpu.

 

About New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP)

NJCEP, established on January 22, 2003, in accordance with the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), provides financial and other incentives to the State's residential customers, businesses and schools that install high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing energy usage, lowering customers' energy bills and reducing environmental impacts. The program is authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and its website is www.NJCleanEnergy.com.

 

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