Energy Fair Displays Bright Ideas

WHITESBORO – If the scariest words ever said are, “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help,” then Gary Finger should be terrifying. But the silver-haired ombudsman for New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program was at the Martin Luther King Center Nov. 13 to offer as much assistance as homeowners and businesses were willing to take.
Finger was the main attraction at Middle Township’s first Energy Fair. It was held at the King Center, according to Connie Mahon, Township Business Administrator, because that building has already been through the Clean Energy Program’s process. As a result, the building is now lit with high-efficiency bulbs, and has a more energy efficient heating and cooling system. 70 percent of the cost of those improvements was borne by the Clean Energy Program. Mahon expects the remaining 30 percent to pay for itself in two years through utility bill savings.
Also on display at the fair were displays from local companies touting the benefits of natural gas, hybrid heating and cooling systems and energy-saving construction processes for businesses.
The most popular display was from TechniArt, with energy-efficient compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs. For $10, visitors could take home a box of bulbs valued at over $90. Also for sale were floor lamps for $5.
The easiest way for anyone to save money is to replace his or her old bulbs with the new high-efficiency bulbs, said Finger. That simple action should lead to a 15-20 percent energy savings almost immediately. He also recommends caulking around windows, and adding insulation.
For the tech lovers, Finger raved about new programmable thermostats that can be controlled by Wi-Fi from far away. “I’ve got a house in Avalon,” he said, “and I can tell you exactly what the temperature in it is right now.” Even from Trenton, he can adjust the thermostat’s setting to keep pipes from freezing in winter or to get the house ready for visitors.
Finger was quick to note that everyone qualifies for assistance from the Clean Energy Program, which is funded by the Board of Public Utilities. He has worked with nearly every type of building: “municipal buildings, fire halls, libraries, schools, houses, Mom’s corner store.” The program offers everything from energy audits to grants like the one Middle Township received.
One success story that clearly makes Finger happy is Viking Yachts. The New Gretna company installed six microturbines, which now produce more than 85 percent of their power. Even in a disaster like Hurricane Sandy, Viking can go off the grid entirely and run on their own power. Finger claims that Viking has taken their energy savings and reinvested it in the company, leading to their recent move to create 175 jobs.
Although turnout for the Energy Fair was light, Mahon still seemed pleased. She noted that more people had come out in the evening, for the portion of the Fair aimed at homeowners, than had come for the afternoon session for commercial businesses. “It’s been a positive response,” she said.
To contact Phil Broder, email pbroder@cmcherald.com.