New Jersey grants fund HVAC upgrades for schools and small businesses
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The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities completed an energy efficiency initiative that provided grants to 364 projects for schools and small businesses.
The program used federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to help these entities replace aging infrastructure. The board committed $179.2 million to the project, with $171.4 million covering heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The remaining $7.8 million funded new plumbing fixtures and commercial appliances.
Grant recipients paid for the remaining 25% of the qualifying costs for their respective projects. The initiative prioritized underserved communities, directing $72.3 million to projects in areas where at least 75% of students qualified for free or reduced-price meals. Ben Hertz-Shargal, the president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, stated that the program moved these locations from outdated systems to verified, code-compliant upgrades.
The board expects the improvements to provide better indoor air quality and lower operating expenses for the participants. While $166.2 million has already been paid out, $13 million remains allocated for 19 projects that are currently awaiting inspections and final verification.
