MONROE – Monroe has received a total of $154,470 in grants from the New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) under the Direct Install program aimed at cutting energy costs by replacing outdated operational equipment with energy efficient alternatives.
“As a budget-conscious and environmentally-friendly municipality, I am proud of our efforts to reduce operating costs while upgrading equipment with efficient alternatives,” Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro said in a prepared statement. “We will continue to look for opportunities to make Township facilities as cost effective and energy efficient as possible. These measures also help us maintain our silver status with Sustainable New Jersey.”
Most recently, the township received $28,914 for energy improvements at the Department of Public Works facility. Awards also were granted in each of the last two years for lighting upgrades as well as heating and cooling efficiency measures at the municipal building ($67,936) and police department ($57,620.)
Existing small to mid-sized commercial and industrial facilities with an average peak electric demand not exceeding 200 kW in any of the preceding 12 months are eligible to participate in the Direct Install program. Applicants must submit the last 12 months of electric utility bills indicating that they are below the demand threshold and have occupied the building during that time. Buildings must be located in New Jersey and served by the state’s public, regulated electric or natural gas utility companies, according to the statement.
As part of the evaluation process, a certified contractor performs an energy assessment, establishes a scope of work and prepares all necessary documentation as required by the Board of Public Utilities. If approved, the program pays up to 70 percent of the cost of the installed measures. This program applies to non-residential, commercial and industrial buildings only.
