Learn How To Save Money, Energy This Weekend In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield Green Team is hosting its "Sustainable Home Fair 2.0" on Saturday to help residents with more ways to save energy and money.

Vendors and experts will be at the Westfield Memorial Library (550 E Broad St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. talking with residents about practical ways to make homes and lifestyles more energy efficient.

The topics scheduled to be covered along with registered attendees include:

• Home energy audits (Ciel Power)
• Community solar (Solar Landscape)
• Solar panels (Walter Korfmacher)
• Windows (Renewal by Anderson)
• Energy efficiency incentives (Brian Capps)
• Electric lawn equipment (Walter Korfmacher)
• Heat pumps (Peter Goldberg)

The increase in energy costs continues to be a statewide issue in New Jersey.

Over the last few months, customers of Atlantic City Electric, PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light and Rockland Energy all braced for between a 17.2 and 20.2 percent increase on their monthly bills. The average customer was set to see their bill increase by more than $20 every month, according to Brian Lipman, director of the New Jersey Rate Council.

The hikes were due to the results of last year’s annual New Jersey Basic Generation Service auction, which determines the cost companies pay for power generated outside of the state. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said the rise in demand and a stressed power grid can also be blamed for the prices rising.

On August 13, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approved providing all New Jersey electric customers with $100 in bill credits this fall. The credits apply to customers of Atlantic City Electric (ACE), PSE&G, Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), and Rockland Electric Company (RECO), and no action is required from account holders.

The Town of Westfield is a current "Silver Certification" winner for its participation in the Sustainable Jersey Program. This honor, valid through 2027, highlights municipalities that are considered by their peers, state government, experts, and civic organizations as leading in efforts to advance sustainability within their community.

The Westfield Green Team is made up of volunteer town department representatives and residents who work together to develop and implement ideas that enhance the sustainability of the community. This includes providing input and recommendations on ordinances, advancing climate change and conservation education, and connecting Westfield with outside opportunities to participate in green movements.

Questions for the group can be directed to greenteam@westfieldnj.gov. Learn more about how you can save money, energy, and the environment by visiting the New Jersey Clean Energy Program website.

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