Utility prices are increasing; along with costs to the environment resulting from energy production. Here are a few programs that provide financial incentives for homeowners to reduce their energy consumption as well as financial assistance for residents that are having trouble paying their energy bills. Some programs have income-restrictions and you should use the guidelines used on each website; however, you can do a rough eligibility check with the income limit comparison chart in the Related Documents box to the right.
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR offers a combination of rebates and financing for whole-house energy efficiency improvements. A BPI-certified energy auditor will conduct an energy audit. If no health and safety issues are found in the home and homeowners want to install additional air sealing measures as well as insulation, high efficiency heating and/or other energy efficiency improvements, NJCEP will pay for ½ of the costs (up to a total $3,000 rebate). Low-interest and 0% interest financing is available for the remainder of expenses for up to $20,000. The 0% financing is available to homes that achieve 25% energy savings. This program is available to all NJ homeowners - including oil, propane and all electric customers.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is offered through the Department of Community Affair's, Division of Housing. This is a free program available to income-qualified homeowners (200% poverty level - see Related Documents to the right). The Weatherization Assistance Program provides an energy audit and free weatherization services. This can include replacing light bulbs, sealing holes, adding insulation and replacing equipment. The program is implemented by local non-profit organizations; please contact your local organization directly - information found on the WAP website. Note: Weatherization funds are also available to multifamily buildings; please visit the MF Weatherization tab for more information.
Comfort Partners is similar to WAP and is offered through your utility company. It includes an energy audit, air sealing work and direct replacement of small items, such as lighting and domestic hot water heaters.
The New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) offers the Energy Efficiency Store for NJ Residents as an online-store offering energy efficient products available to New Jersey residents at a reduced cost as well as ENERGY STAR Product Rebates. NJCEP is also offers the which offer cash rebates for energy efficient heating and cooling equipment such as central air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers or water heaters under the CoolAdvantage and WarmAdvantage programs. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has received approval from the federal government to offer New Jersey residents additional incentives on high efficiency heating and cooling equipment.
Rebates are available through the NJCEP Renewable Energy Incentive Program for homeowners installing 10 kW systems or smaller and for businesses installing 50 kW systems or less. There are limited rebate funds, so apply quickly to reserve your rebate. A list of qualified contractors can be found on the NJCEP website. There are also several solar programs available through NJ public utilities. The Green Homes Office has a Solar Financing Handbook and Solar Financing Tool that provides the basics of solar installations and financing. Please visit the Resources/Renewable Energy tab for more information on other offerings.
Programs are available for those having a difficult time with rising utility costs. The programs listed on the NJCEP website are managed by the NJ Board of Public Utilities and the NJ Department of Community Affairs.
New Jersey utility companies have a variety of rebate and finance programs to encourage energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy installations.
Public Service Electric & Gas
Jersey Central Power & Lighting
Atlantic City Electric
New Jersey Natural Gas
South Jersey Gas
Rockland Electric
