This is for personal, noncommercial use only.
Regulators approve energy-efficiency plans
Print this Article- Font Size:
- Default font size
- Larger font size
About $225 million worth of energy-efficiency programs were greenlighted by state regulators Wednesday, with the expectation of creating 965 jobs and helping utility customers afford ecofriendly upgrades.
The jobs will be created through South Jersey Gas, New Jersey Natural Gas and Public Service Electric & Gas Co. during the next 18 months, said the state Board of Public Utilities, which approved their proposals in a 4-1 vote.
BPU President Jeanne M. Fox said the projects will support the state's economy and conform with its Energy Master Plan, which calls for less energy consumption by 2020.
"These projects were carefully reviewed against strict criteria," Fox said. "By expediting energy-efficiency work in New Jersey, these projects can provide important support for our economy now, while creating jobs, reducing energy costs over the long term and reducing greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change."
The proposals were rejected by BPU Commissioner Elizabeth Randall. Her staff declined to comment Wednesday about why she voted no and said she would have a written dissent attached to the board's order.
The BPU is still considering similar energy-efficiency programs from other utilities, including Atlantic City Electric.
With state backing in place, Folsom-based South Jersey Gas will roll out five new programs at a cost of more than $17 million.
They include giving out rebates worth $900 for high-efficiency heating equipment if customers agree to an in-home energy assessment, and energy assessments and related installations for small businesses to help them conserve energy.
SJG customers will be expected to shoulder the implementation costs of the programs, which are voluntary.
Residential customers using the average 100 therms of natural gas per month will see their bills increase by 24 cents, the utility said.
Meanwhile, New Jersey Natural Gas programs include updating rebate programs available through the New Jersey Clean Energy Program and helping homeowners afford energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment.
NJNG, which serves southern Ocean County, said typical residential customers using 1,000 therms over a year will see an increase to their bills over a four-year period amounting to $8.28 per year.
But the utility is trying to offset that amount by reducing customers' Universal Service Fund charge on their monthly bills by 0.5 percent annually. Customers are required to support the fund, which helps low-income ratepayers.
E-mail Erik Ortiz:
Posted in Business on Thursday, July 2, 2009 3:10 am
No comments have been posted. Be the first poster!
Click here to report a comment as abusive.