Bill
Will Reduce Blackouts, Save Consumers $900 Million in Utility Bills
As the new home of NJPIRG's environmental work, Environment New Jersey can be contacted regarding this news release.
TRENTON—The Assembly
voted today to pass the New Jersey Energy Efficiency Standards Act (A516—Watson-Coleman,
Caraballo, McKeon), a bill designed to protect consumers, the environment, and
the economy through energy efficiency standards for commonly used products.
“These next few months,
during the heat of the summer, electric bills are at their highest and blackouts
are more likely. Energy efficiency standards will result in cheaper, more reliable
electricity for New Jersey homes and businesses,” said Emily Rusch, Energy
Advocate for NJPIRG.
Minimum energy efficiency
standards are an easy way for New Jersey to reduce energy consumption and save
consumers and businesses money. Thanks to energy efficiency standards, a typical
electric bill for household refrigerator use has dropped $193 to $40 a year
in the last two decades. A516 looks to capture energy efficiency savings for
eight new products that do not currently have standards.
“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.
By 2020, the standards will
save consumers over $900 million on their utility bills. In addition, the standards
will decrease our electric use by an amount roughly equal to the use of 316,000
homes in New Jersey, increasing reliability and avoiding the need for new power
lines.
Specifically, the A516 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.
"Energy efficiency standards are a smart step forward to save money, keep
the lights on, and reduce power plant pollution at the same time. The Senate
should quickly pass this common sense policy so that New Jersey can start saving
energy," said Rusch.
