The warmth of summer is still with us, but fall is just around the corner and winter will be here before we know it. So, now is the perfect time to get ahead of Jack Frost by preparing your home for colder weather. It can make a big difference in your energy usage.

A key to ensuring your home’s energy efficiency this fall – and year round – is to take a closer look at where you use the most energy in your home, and what you can do to use less.

The Residential Whole House Efficiency Program focuses on customers who may not have the resources to make energy-efficiency upgrades in their homes. Qualified customers receive an in-house home energy audit, a thorough test of their heating and ventilation system, up to 10 compact fluorescent light bulbs and a programmable thermostat. The program is currently underway in Newark and Trenton, with plans to expand over time to other New Jersey cities.

PSE&G is also offering hospitals in its service territory investment-grade energy audits that will enable them to identify energy improvements. About a dozen hospitals are already participating in the program and, as a result, making investments that help them save energy and much needed dollars. 

Finally, to help customers ensure their heating systems are operating properly and efficiently before the cold weather arrives, PSE&G will come out to check and light the pilot light on any customer’s home furnace – at no charge – through September 13.

Increasing the energy efficiency of our homes, businesses and hospitals is an investment that can pay off over many years. It is the most cost-effective way to lower carbon emissions and combat climate change, and it will be essential to helping New Jersey meet its aggressive targets at reducing energy consumption.

So, while we can’t prevent Jack Frost’s arrival, we can prepare for what he will bring us.  It’s an energy-smart and dollar-smart thing to do.

What’s your view? Please let us know at Opinion@PSEG.com.