#United States #Energy Efficiency #New Jersey #Newark #PSEG

PSE&G Energy Efficiency Initiatives Yield Major Savings for New Jersey Residents

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSEG) has made significant strides in helping New Jersey residents save on their utility expenses through its energy efficiency programs. According to the latest report, the Clean Energy Future-Energy Efficiency initiative has enabled nearly 465,000 customers to save approximately $720 million each year on their energy bills.

Overview of Savings and Participation

The PSEG energy efficiency programs aim to reduce both energy consumption and costs while supporting the broader clean energy goals of the state. The programs have generated a wide array of benefits for participants, including home energy assessments and rebates on energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems. Since the inception of these initiatives, customers have also claimed roughly $740 million in rebates, with many receiving instant discounts or post-purchase rebates on their upgrades.

Participation statistics underscore the positive impact of these programs:

• - Home Energy Assessments: Over 95,000 assessments completed.
• - Energy-Efficient Appliance Upgrades: More than 140,000 rebates claimed.
• - Appliance Recycling: Nearly 24,000 appliances recycled.
• - Smart Products: Around 340,000 smart thermostats and 100,000 power strips purchased via the PSEG Marketplace.

Customer Testimonials and Benefits

Lauren Thomas, the Vice President of Clean Energy Solutions at PSEG, highlighted that affordability is intertwined with energy efficiency. She stated, "Our programs are designed to make it easier for customers to reduce their energy use and manage their monthly bills." Customers participating in these programs have reported lower energy costs and improved comfort levels in their households.

Commercial Initiatives

The energy efficiency efforts are not solely limited to residential customers; PSEG has facilitated considerable savings for commercial entities as well. Through its business energy efficiency programs, over 18,500 businesses have been able to execute around 28,000 projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and comfort while minimizing expenses. The Small Business Direct Install program has been particularly beneficial, projected to save over $19 million annually for more than 1,500 small businesses.

Radwa Ali, the library director at Montclair Public Library, remarked on the tangible benefits of these programs. She noted how the program's incentives and flexible financing options helped implement necessary upgrades to maintain a comfortable and efficient operation within the library.

Environmental Impact and Future Goals

Collectively, PSEG's residential and business customers are on track to save nearly 2.8 million megawatt-hours of electricity every year, a quantity sufficient to power over 406,000 homes. Moreover, natural gas savings are anticipated to surpass 75 million therms per annum. These efforts are projected to avert approximately 2.1 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year, contributing positively to the environment.

In tandem with these initiatives, PSEG is actively working to expand access to clean energy careers via the Clean Energy Jobs Program, having successfully placed over 4,100 individuals in clean energy roles. The company’s dedication to developing a skilled workforce has garnered 75 industry awards for excellence in program delivery.

Future Challenges and Collaborations

PSEG acknowledges the ongoing challenges in managing energy costs, particularly in light of rising supply-demand issues. The demand for electricity in New Jersey is expected to outpace supply, and PSEG stands ready to collaborate with state officials to enhance energy reliability and affordability through various solutions. These include further energy efficiency initiatives and expanded power generation capacity.

As PSEG continues to navigate the complexities of energy management, its commitment to helping customers efficiently manage their energy bills remains steadfast. For more details about their programs, residents can visit PSEG's website and specifically explore resources at homeenergy.pseg.com for residential customers or bizenergy.pseg.com for business customers.

PSEG, as New Jersey's oldest and largest gas and electric public utility, has consistently been recognized for its reliability and customer satisfaction, further solidifying its role as a key player in the state's energy landscape.