For Immediate Release:	Contact: Peter Peretzman
Date: 09/30/2022	609-900-5626

TRENTON, NJ—The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) announced today that additional funding is available under the School and Small Business Stimulus (SSBS) Program for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) projects in public schools. Following Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023) budget approval, the Board is shifting $63 million from undersubscribed SSBS programs to programs that were previously oversubscribed. Funding is available for schools located in both underserved and non-underserved communities.

 

“The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that many of our schools were in need of critical HVAC and plumbing repairs to improve the air our children and educators breathe every day,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso.  “I’m glad Governor Murphy and the Legislature recognized and addressed the overwhelming demand for repairs to schools through this program, which allowed the Board to make an additional $63M available for the installation of new HVAC systems to improve energy efficiency and provide cleaner air in our schools.”

 

On August 24, 2021, Governor Murphy signed the School Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Fund into law, creating two distinct programs: 1) the School and Small Business Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair and 2) the School and Small Business Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Program. 

 

These programs provide grants to improve air quality and energy performance in schools and small businesses through the repair, maintenance, upgrade, replacement, and installation of certain HVAC systems, as well as the installation of energy-efficient and water-conserving appliances. 

 

Funds are approved on a first come, first served basis depending on program budget availability.  All applications will be awarded based on a number of factors, including a completed application package that meets program requirements. Funding availability and budgets for the programs within the SSBS are subject to change based on program activity and demand. 

 

For more information, please visit the program website at https://njcleanenergy.com/school-and-small-business-energy-efficiency-stimulus-program.

 

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.