What is the Conservation Incentive Program?
The Conservation Incentive Program (CIP) is a BPU-approved, innovative conservation and energy efficiency pilot program implemented by South Jersey Gas (SJG) to assist consumers in managing their energy bills.

How will it work?
A new rate structure will be implemented to encourage residential, government and business customers to use natural gas more efficiently. SJG will establish a benchmark for customer usage and at the end of the year compare the actual usage to the benchmark. Customers who practice consistent conservation techniques will see a reduction in their monthly gas bills.

What is the purpose?
Energy conservation. Through initiatives like CIP, SJG helps customers manage their natural gas bills through conservation and energy efficiency, while improving our environment.

What are the benefits?
Customers will directly benefit from lower heating bills to the extent that they individually implement conservation measures and reduce their usage. Customers will have access to more comprehensive information about energy efficiency to help significantly lower their monthly bills. Additionally, CIP represents a long-term investment in the future of energy efficiency. Reducing consumption will also send an economic signal nationwide to the natural gas producers to maintain lower commodity prices.

When will the program be implemented?
CIP was approved by the BPU and reviewed by the Rate Council (formerly the Ratepayer Advocate) as a three-year pilot program beginning October 1, 2006. Initial conservation and energy efficiency programs will be rolled out in the 2006-07 winter season.

What types of energy efficiency programs will be available?
Initial programs include a customer communications initiative including consumer-friendly online tools, furnace upgrade efficiency packages, financing options and an outreach program.

Has this program been endorsed by any environmental organizations?
Yes, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Sierra Club of New Jersey and New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG) have endorsed this program. These organizations encourage the development of innovative conservation programs that promote energy efficiency, help consumers save money and improve the environment.  

How do I find out about other statewide energy efficiency programs? You can learn all about other statewide energy efficiency programs by visiting www.njcleanenergy.com. That site contains all the information you’ll need to learn about energy – efficiency and renewable programs that are available statewide.

How do I find out about high efficiency equipment rebates?
Free to call SJG’s Conservation Department at 1-800-648-0138, or click here for more information.

How do I find out about saving up to 30% on my home energy use?
Sponsored by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and New Jersey’s Clean Energy ProgramSM, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® is a new statewide initiative, now available throughout New Jersey. The initiative offers residents a comprehensive “whole house” approach provided by trained and certified home improvement contractors that deliver advanced energy efficiency improvements to homes in order to save money, energy and the environment.

Through this initiative, contractors accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) perform a Comprehensive Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Assessment to test a home’s overall energy performance and draw up a plan to improving the home’s energy efficiency and comfort. The Home Performance Contractor will be able to insulate and seal the house, replace the heating or cooling system and perform other improvements.

During the assessment, the contractor will perform a number of tests on the home to determine which areas will benefit from energy efficiency and performance upgrades. The contractor will measure the home’s energy efficiency, insulation and air infiltration levels, heating/cooling equipment efficiency, appliances, and lighting, as well as test ovens, water heaters and other equipment to make sure dangerous combustion gases like carbon monoxide are not leaking into the home.

A list of BPI-accredited Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractors is available by clicking here or by calling 1-800-418-9560.

How do I get a FREE Home Energy Analysis?
To take advantage of the Free Home Energy Analysis, simply click here or call 1-866-NJSMART (1-866-657-6278).