The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced in a Sept. 30 news release that additional funding is available under the School and Small Business Stimulus Program for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning projects in public schools. Following fiscal year 2023 budget approval, the board is shifting $63 million from undersubscribed SSBS programs to programs that were previously oversubscribed. Funding is available for schools located in both underserved and non-underserved communities.
“The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that many of our schools were in need of critical HVAC and plumbing repairs to improve the air our children and educators breathe every day,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “I’m glad Gov. Murphy and the Legislature recognized and addressed the overwhelming demand for repairs to schools through this program, which allowed the board to make an additional $63 million available for the installation of new HVAC systems to improve energy efficiency and provide cleaner air in our schools.”
On Aug. 24, 2021, Murphy signed the School Business Energy Efficiency Stimulus Program Fund into law, creating two distinct programs: 1) the School and Small Business Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Verification and Repair and 2) the School and Small Business Noncompliant Plumbing Fixture and Appliance Program.
These programs provide grants to improve air quality and energy performance in schools and small businesses through the repair, maintenance, upgrade, replacement and installation of certain HVAC systems, as well as the installation of energy-efficient and water-conserving appliances.
Funds are approved on a first-come, first-served basis depending on program budget availability. All applications will be awarded based on a number of factors, including a completed application package that meets program requirements. Funding availability and budgets for the programs within the SSBS are subject to change based on program activity and demand.
Visit the program website for more information.