The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) launched a new public education campaign “Lighting the Way to a Clean Energy Future” to encourage New Jersey residents and businesses to save money, reduce energy use, and contribute to New Jersey’s clean energy economy. The statewide campaign highlights the numerous rebates, incentives, and utility assistance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners through New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) at a time when New Jerseyans are facing extraordinary economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The public education campaign reinforces BPU’s efforts to spur job growth in clean energy industries and encourage equity in energy efficiency programs by expanding access and offsetting costs. Marking the first time in 10 years the state’s clean energy program has run ads to promote its program offerings, the new multimedia campaign will relaunch the program and reach New Jerseyans through both paid and earned media channels. The campaign will invite residents to “see how much you can save” while inspiring them to realize that we can all play a part in protecting our environment.
The suite of residential programs and financial incentives available through NJCEP include:
- Home Appliance Rebates – Residents can receive rebates when they purchase ENERGY STAR® models of washers, dryers, and refrigerators, as well as eligible energy-efficient air conditioners, heat pumps, heating systems, and water heaters;
- Comfort Partners – This special program helps low-income residents in New Jersey reduce their utility bills by implementing cost-effective measures – at no cost to them – that save energy and money while improving their home’s safety and comfort. Free home improvements may include efficient lighting, hot water conservation measures (water heater insulation, energy-saving showerheads and aerators), replacement of inefficient refrigerators, thermostats, insulation upgrades, and more;
- Enhanced Incentives – Residents who live in an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) may be eligible for bonus incentives for installing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment or insulation and air sealing upgrades;
- Utility Financial Assistance Programs – Several programs, including PAGE and LIHEAP, are available to help income-eligible New Jersey residents pay their energy bills including gas and electric costs.