Acting Governor Codey signed a bill yesterday that will significantly reduce electricity use across the state. The legislation (A516/S332) sets minimum energy efficiency standards for common products used throughout the state.
“The Bush Administration has failed to provide this country with energy policies that improve our quality of life. Assembly Bill A516 is a positive first step for the state of New Jersey to offer its residents energy efficient products that lower electric bills, reduce demand on the electrical grid, and lessen New Jersey’s reliance on power plants that pollute the atmosphere,” said Assemblywoman Watson-Coleman, the prime sponsor of the legislation.
Natural gas prices have risen about 25% just in the last year. New Jersey’s heavy dependence on natural gas for electricity as well as heat will continue to result in higher utility bills unless the state takes steps to conserve energy. By 2020, the standards will save consumers over $742 million on their utility bills.
As a result of the new energy efficiency standards, electricity use will decrease by about 1% across the state, which will also help to prevent overloading the electricity grid and increase reliability.
A516/S332 includes energy efficiency standards for the following products: Torchiere lamps, unit heaters, dry-type transformers, traffic signals, exit signs, large packaged air conditioners, commercial air conditioners and freezers, and commercial clothes washers.
New Jersey is the fourth state to enact efficiency standards for these products, after Maryland, Connecticut, and California. “Do we want more polluting power plants in New Jersey? Of course not. As New Jersey’s population increases, we need to maximize energy efficiency and clean energy resources in order to avoid new power plants,” concluded Rusch.
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