NJBPU and New Jersey's Clean Energy Program offers Energy Efficient Solutions, Rebates and Tips for Winter Savings

For New Jersey families and communities that want to save energy and money this winter, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is offering heating equipment rebates, practical power tips and other incentives through New Jersey's Clean Energy Program(TM).

"Whether it's scheduling a home energy assessment, installing a new energy efficient furnace or switching to ENERGY STAR qualified lighting and products, New Jersey's Clean Energy Program can show families and communities how to save energy and money this winter," said NJBPU President Jeanne M. Fox. "Participating in these energy efficiency programs and offerings is one of the many ways residents can be part of New Jersey's plan to use energy more wisely."

Sponsored by the NJBPU and New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR is a program that helps homeowners find accredited contractors who can deliver advanced energy efficiency improvements to homes in order to save money, energy and the environment. Under the program, homes of any style or size can be improved to reduce energy use and decrease costs by up to 30 percent.

Accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), contractors participating in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program perform a comprehensive energy assessment to test a home's overall energy performance and develop a plan to improve the home's energy efficiency and comfort. These contractors help residents repair or replace heating and cooling equipment, solve problems with cold and drafty rooms, and help lower energy costs and improve comfort. They also test ovens, water heaters and other equipment to make sure dangerous combustion gases, like carbon monoxide, are not leaking into the home.

Because of increased energy efficiency and reduced energy bills, typical improvements pay for themselves. The initial assessment fee varies by contractor, and some contractors may deduct the assessment fee if the homeowner decides to implement the recommended improvements. The initiative offers low-interest financing or 10 percent cash-back options to help pay for making the improvements. In addition, the State of New Jersey offers incentives on some eligible measures.

Financial incentives are also available through New Jersey Comfort Partners, a program designed to improve energy affordability for income eligible households who directly install cost-effective energy efficiency measures in their homes. The program is available to any New Jersey household with significant electric use, having an income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines. Participants work with the program to develop and carry out a household energy savings action plan that includes measures such as efficient lighting products, hot water conservation, energy efficient refrigerators and thermostats, insulation upgrades, air and duct sealing, and heating and cooling equipment maintenance.

New Jersey's Clean Energy Program is also offering residential rebates of up to $400 towards the purchase of qualifying high-efficiency natural gas heating equipment through its WARMAdvantage program.

Now through December 31, 2007, cash incentives of $50 and $75 are also available on select ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers, as well as special pricing on select ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs.

Families can save even more by taking simple steps at home that save energy. For powerful results this winter, follow any or all of these tips:

1. Save up to 30% with Home Performance with ENERGY STAR. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR makes it easy and affordable to take advantage of energy-efficient home improvementrecommendations and ideas from BPI-accredited contractors.  Low financing rates are available.
2. Save up to 12% by lowering your thermostat. Simply set your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day, and 60 degrees at night (or when you're not at home).
3. Save up to 16% by using less hot water. Take short showers instead of baths -- and lower your hot water heater from 150 degrees to 120 degrees.  You can also use our Water Heater Calculator to learn how much you can save with an energy-efficient water heater.
4. Take our FREE online Home Energy Analysis. With just a few clicks of your mouse, you'll find specific energy-saving recommendations customized to your lifestyle, energy usage and location.
5. Get a $300 WARMAdvantage Rebate for energy efficient gas heating equipment. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and WARMAdvantage are funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and New Jersey's Clean Energy Program(TM).