Jeanne M. F ox
Guest Column
With a new year upon us, many New Jerseyans are taking stock of their lives, finances and future. And with winter here in full blast, we undoubtedly keep our lights on longer and turn up the dial on our heat.
So, when making resolutions, along with shedding some pounds and hitting the gym, you might also want to find ways to make your energy bill a bit more affordable.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to cut down on costs through conservation and increased efficiency. This does not mean doing without, or even with less, in your day-to-day life. Rather, it means making smarter decisions, which in turn helps protect the environment and saves you money. It’s an easy equation: the more energy we each waste, the higher the price we all pay.
As America continues to consume energy at an ever-increasing rate, we must begin using energy more effectively and judiciously. We all share in the responsibility for ensuring the sustainability of our natural resources, keeping costs down and preserving the lifestyle we enjoy.
We’ve already caught a glimpse of what can happen if we fail: cascading blackouts, escalating levels of pollution and continued rising prices on monthly utility bills.
Fortunately, we don’t have to choose between energy use and environmental protection, because they aren’t competing priorities.
Smart, energy-efficient purchases not only help protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, but also cut down the potential for sticker shock on energy bills.
When buying a new appliance — be it a refrigerator, computer, ceiling fan, television or light bulb — ask for merchandise displaying the Energy Star label. These products are designed with energy efficiency in mind, and put the power of controlling personal costs back in the hands of consumers where it belongs.
Just a few more dollars at the check-out counter will save you hundreds over the life of the product. In addition, I encourage everyone to log onto www.njcleenenergy.com and click the Residential Programs tab to take advantage of our Home Energy Audit. This free service allows you to take a personalized virtual tour of your home and pinpoint energy waste associated with your appliances, windows, doors and heating and cooling systems. Here, you will learn ways for you and your family to cut down on costs, both this winter and for seasons to come.
Simple steps, such as turning off your computer when not using it or installing a programmable thermostat, can result in incredible savings. To make certain there aren’t any gaps or cracks where cold air can leak into your home, be sure to caulk and weatherstrip windows and doors. You also should fully load the dishwasher before starting a cycle and repair leaky faucets immediately. And take good care of your hot water heater by cleaning out any sediment and fitting it with an insulating wrap.
While you are taking pro-active steps in your home, the N.J. Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is hard at work finding new ways to increase energy efficiency.
Last year, New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program provided $88 million for natural gas and electricity efficiency measures. This investment will save residents and businesses nearly $462 million over the life of the products installed.
For example, our Smart Start Buildings Program offers incentives for energy-efficient equipment and upgrades, including air conditioning, lighting, boilers and furnaces. Our Combined Heat and Power Program promotes efficiency through on-site power generation.
And for those residents having trouble keeping up with bills, the BPU offers the Universal Service Fund, a landmark program that ensures participants pay no more than 6 percent of their income on energy. These programs are just the tip of the iceberg of productive ways the BPU is giving New Jerseyans the power to save.
Doing your part to preserve energy, cut costs and protect the environment is easier than you might think. All of us can find ways to save without cutting back on comfort. Affordable, energy-efficient technology is readily available, and we must start using more of it. This wise investment in the future will make us all healthier and wealthier for years to come.
Jeanne M. Fox is president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities