Businesses that implement energy efficiency and conservation projects would be eligible for a credit against the Societal Benefits Charge (SBC) on their energy bills under A-2528 (Chivukula) which was passed by the New Jersey Assembly on December 13 and sent to the Senate.

In a bulletin to members today, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association explained:

“All New Jersey energy consumers pay an SBC surcharge based on the amount of electricity they consume. A portion of the money raised by the surcharge goes to pay for energy efficiency projects and renewable energy. Commercial and industrial energy users consume 64 percent of all electricity and are the largest contributors to this fund. NJBIA has long called for a more balanced distribution of funds that would allow companies undertaking energy-efficiency projects to receive a credit. The purpose of funding energy efficiency and conservation projects is to reduce the state’s energy demand and related carbon emissions. The return on investment for commercial and industrial projects is $11 for every $1 invested, compared with a 4 to 1 payback on residential projects.”