Municipal governments looking to tap into New Jersey’s cost-saving energy audit or “Direct Install” programs can get the assistance they need under a shared services program unveiled by the Burlington County Freeholders in cooperation with the county Bridge Commission.

Freeholder Joseph B. Donnelly said that the county’s refined and expanded “Greenbacks-To-Go-Green” program is geared to help towns and other local entities obtain full reimbursement from the N.J. Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for energy audits, and then assist them in implementing and funding cost-saving initiatives.

“At the end of the day, the plan is to save taxpayers’ dollars,” said Donnelly.  “We’ve put together a three-point plan that will get local officials past the often arcane environmental language, and position them to realize some real cost-savings through energy efficiency upgrades.

“While the big headlines tend to focus on solar energy, wind and geothermal, there’s a variety of other less costly initiatives — ranging from heating and cooling system upgrades to lighting controls or even new windows — that our towns and school districts may be able to capitalize on,” he added.

Local officials will receive information about the “greenbacks” program, which will include an example of an energy conservation project for a municipal building and library in which some basic energy upgrades will yield $141,000 savings over and above the estimated $210,000 cost of the improvements.

“That example alone tells you that you can undertake an energy audit, identify and implement real cost-saving upgrades, without having to make a huge capital investment,” said Donnelly.  “And again, we’re talking about taking an environmental step forward and saving tax dollars at the same time.”

Commission Chairman John B. Comegno II said that the commission and freeholders first committed to the Greenbacks-To-Go-Green program in the early summer. Since then, he said, it has been “tweaked” to reflect changes in the BPU’s energy audit program, and also to address better the logistics and fiscal issues.

“We’re really trying to make this user-friendly,” said Comegno.  “The commission is in the process of implementing its own energy audit and with our professional staff and experience, we believe we can make this easier for local officials.”

Freeholders and the commission are offering to assist towns and schools in three areas:

Grant Services — No-cost assistance will be provided in applying for a BPU-funded Energy Audit. (BPU will reimburse for 75 percent of the audit cost, and the remaining cost as well, if participants realize savings that amount to 25 percent or more of the total cost.)

In addition, since the energy block grant funding must be committed by Dec. 31, 2010, the commission will also offer assistance in preparing those applications, which also implement cost-saving measures.

Energy Savings Improvement Plan Services — To assist participating towns and schools to prepare an individualized energy savings plan, in essence to use the audit to create an action plan.

Financial Services —  Assistance will be provided in finding favorable financing — over and above any grant dollars — to install energy upgrades.

To date, some 17 municipalities and school districts have reached out, asking for assistance. Donnelly and Comegno said they are hoping the additional information will give others incentive to consider green energy savings. “At a time when everyone is looking for ways to tap into renewable energy and also improve their budget, spending and tax situation, this can be a very attractive option,” said Donnelly. “Obviously, there is no risk for local officials in at least taking a look.”

southjerseylocalnews.com