NJ Offers Sandy Victims Energy Rebates [AUDIO]

Enhanced financial incentives are available for victims of Hurricane Sandy as they rebuild their homes and businesses.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has increased rebate levels and expanded the list of qualifying equipment and products under New Jersey's Clean Energy Program (CEP).

"To help New Jersey's residents, businesses and towns rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Christie Administration has increased New Jersey's Clean Energy Program rebate offerings and streamlined guidelines to more quickly deliver needed incentives," said Bob Hanna, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. "As New Jersey rebuilds, we want to ensure that everyone is aware of the advantages of purchasing energy-efficient products."

"Rebate levels will go up by $200 for residents who choose high energy-efficient equipment and appliances like washers, dryers and hot water heaters to replace items damaged during Sandy," said Joe Fiordaliso, Board of Public Utilities Commissioner. "Energy-efficient appliances generally cost a little bit more, so hopefully, the rebate will cover that additional cost plus more. It's really an on-going saving process because of the energy that's going to be saved in the long run."

The CEP also is offering increased incentives for commercial, industrial and local governmental entities that have or will need to purchase new equipment, as well as adding new incentives for qualifying food service equipment. This equipment includes commercial dishwashers, fryers, griddles, ovens and refrigeration, among other items.

The enhanced incentives are available until about $45.5 million in current CEP budget funding is exhausted. For more information on the program, call 866-NJ-SMART or visit them online.