New Jersey schools and small businesses received grants covering up to 75% of qualifying costs to replace aging building systems, as part of a five-year effort to improve indoor air quality and lower operating expenses.
The program committed nearly $180 million to the upgrades, with most of the funding going toward heating and cooling improvements.
Here's what to know
The state utility board has concluded its energy-efficiency stimulus initiative for schools and small businesses, which supported 364 projects funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, according to WRNJ Radio.
Of the $179.2 million committed, approximately $171.4 million — or 96% — supported HVAC system improvements, according to the board.
About 4% of the total, $7.8 million, funded replacements for aging commercial appliances and plumbing fixtures, the board said. Grant recipients covered the other quarter of qualifying project expenses, the board said.
More background
The program prioritized schools and small businesses in underserved communities, directing approximately $72.3 million, or 40% of the funding, toward projects in those areas.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
That focus included districts where at least three-quarters of students qualified for free or reduced-price meals, according to the board, helping direct support to districts serving substantial numbers of students from lower-income households.
The board expects the building-condition benefits of preventive upgrades and replacements to outlast the program. For participating schools and businesses, the funding encouraged future purchases and helped address aging building infrastructure.
What's being done?
According to the board, payments total about $166.2 million, with $13 million allocated to 19 projects awaiting inspection completion, verification steps, and payment procedures.
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Ben Hertz-Shargal said:
"With nearly $180 million in federal funds committed, this program transitioned schools and small businesses from outdated systems to verified, code-compliant HVAC and plumbing upgrades."
The outstanding $13 million is tied to those 19 projects, rather than a new round of grants available to applicants.
"The result is better indoor air quality and lower operating costs that will persist beyond the program's closeout," Hertz-Shargal said.
Where can I learn more?
Equipment choices and costs also matter for homeowners planning HVAC upgrades. These stories cover homeowner equipment decisions, heat pump incentives, and a potential geothermal system for a Philadelphia school and recreation center.
• A New Jersey homeowner weighed heat pump options, while professionals recommended load calculations.
• Seven Massachusetts towns combined incentives, bringing one heat pump's cost down to $2,000.
• A rural Maryland buyer faced a $38,000 HVAC quote while considering heat pump rebates.
• In Philadelphia, geothermal could heat and cool a school and recreation center for less.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
