NJ Natural Gas offers savings on heating costs

Customers of New Jersey Natural Gas will get some relief with their heating bills over the next two months thanks to the recent drop of wholesale natural gas prices.

According to the New Jersey natural gas utility here, the average New Jersey consumer will save 20 percent on their gas bill from Feb. 1 to March 31 with credits for the typical residence totaling about $89.

Additionally, the company received a greenlight to continue its Conservation Incentive Program (CIP), which enables the utility to promote conservation coupled with energy-efficiency improvements. The CIP has been extended to Sept. 30, 2013.

“The rate credits announced today as well as the extension of our Conservation Incentive Program are two examples of the steps we are taking to help our customers during these challenging economic times,” says Laurence M. Downes, chairman and CEO of NJNG.

Downes continues, “We are able to provide financial relief during the months when customers’ bills can be at their highest and continue to offer energy-saving information and programs that benefit our customers, company and state.”

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Push to bounce unsolicited checks in New Jersey

A New Jersey lawmaker is pushing to ban deceptive and unsolicited checks.

Paul Moriarty, a Garden State assemblyman, is spearheading legislation that would bar unsolicited checks. The lawmaker was inspired after a constituent showed him an unsolicited check for $8.25. If cashed, the consumer would have been automatically enrolled in a roadside assistance plan, costing the consumer $15.99 a month.

If turned into law, businesses wouldn't be allowed to send consumers unsolicited checks that in turn automatically charge the consumer monthly fees. Paul Moriarty, the assemblyman who is pushing the ban says, "Right now, consumers are at their most vulnerable to fall for a scheme that appears to offer them instant cash but would end up costing them much more in the long-run."

If a business does send an unsolicited check, under New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act, the business will be fined $10,000. If the business continues, they will face $20,000.

Businesses will still be able to mail checks to consumers as long as there has been a pre-existing b-to-c relationship and as long as the checks are from legitimate banks.

The proposed legislation will most likely be considered by the Consumer Affairs Committee, according to an article from the Associated Press.

'Cash for Appliances' program hits New Jersey

Move over "Cash for Clunkers." There's a new green-driven stimulus project offering a bonus to New Jersey residents who buy a new energy-star rated appliance.

The goal of "Cash for Appliances," a program offering financial incentives for those who buy energy-efficient household electronics, is to provide another way to stimulate the economy in an industry that has seen a 15 percent drop in sales.

So far, "Cash for Appliances" will help residents of the Garden State and is waiting on the the U.S. Department of Energy to sign off on the proposal. Once signed, the rebate plan will closely resemble the expired "Cash for Clunkers" automobile program.

When "Cash for Appliances" is in full gear, how much will you save? Anywhere from $25 to $1200 will be knocked off the price of a new Energy-Star rated appliance thanks to the state's $8.3 million dollars in federal funding. Also, the typical household could save over one-third or about $700 per year by making the switch to the energy-efficient items.

Jeanne Fox, BPU president says, "This proposal will build upon our record of success driven by New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program."

Consumers aren't the only ones thrilled. According to an article in New Jersey's Star Ledger, appliance stores such as Mrs. G TV and Appliance welcome the news as well.

Debbie Schaeffer, president of the electronics store says, "I think people are waiting, absolutely," she says."Rebates stimulate the economy and our business. We’re looking forward to them coming sooner rather than later."

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