Translator Disclaimers
For Immediate Release: Contact: Peter Peretzman
Date: 11/22/2021 609-900-5626
Board Recognized for Its Energy Efficiency Accomplishments in 2020
Trenton, NJ—November 22, 2021—The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has been selected as a 2021 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award winner by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The Sustained Excellence Award, presented for accomplishments in 2020, is the highest honor given by the ENERGY STAR program and it recognizes New Jersey’s continuous commitment to solve the climate crisis and build a clean energy economy.  In announcing NJBPU’s award, the EPA cited NJBPU for being “…part of a distinguished group that has made a long-term commitment to fighting climate change and protecting public health through energy efficiency.”

 

New Jersey is the only state utility commission in the nation to be so honored this year. NJBPU has been honored several times in the past with the Sustained Excellence Award.

 

“On behalf of NJBPU, I am proud to receive the 2021 ENERGY STAR award because it is a symbol of our commitment to pursuing Governor Murphy’s goal of 100 percent clean energy,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Energy efficiency is clearly a critical component of our clean energy program and we have made tremendous strides in this area, particularly over the last year.”

 

“Our ENERGY STAR award winning partners are showing the world that delivering real climate solutions make good business sense,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “In 2019 alone ENERGY STAR saved American families and businesses nearly $40 billion while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and also creating more than 800,000 jobs.”

 

Through FY20, NJBPU generated 1,591 single-family Home Performance with ENERGY STAR projects through low-interest financing and incentives, leading to an annual savings of more than 55,000 MMBtu which is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from 482 passenger vehicles driven for one year.

 

 Among NJBPU’s 2020 accomplishments:

 

  • Providing almost $11 million to contractors and customers through incentives and loan interest rate buy down amounts for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR projects;
  • Boosting marketing efforts by reimbursing 50 percent of advertising costs paid by contractors in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, leading to more than $280,000 in reimbursements for 116 ads throughout the year;
  • Performing 188 HPwES quality assurance inspections, using workplace health and safety guidelines and protocols established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
  • Incentivizing over 7 million ENERGY STAR lighting products and nearly 30,000 ENERGY STAR certified appliances. 

 

Using the State’s Energy Master Plan as a roadmap NJBPU has implemented important programs in offshore wind, solar, electric vehicles and energy efficiency during the Murphy Administration.

 

According to the EPA, since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped families and businesses achieve four billion metric tons of greenhouse-gas reductions.

 

For Further Information please contact Peter Peretzman at (609) 900-5626 or peter.peretzman@bpu.nj.gov

 

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.