Scotch Plains is examining its policies and forging a path to efficiency through the creation of a Community Energy Plan (CEP). With the CEP, the township is eligible to apply for additional state funding to help implement local projects outlined in their plans.
Scotch Plains was awarded a grant from the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to develop a CEP and is hosting a meeting on September 30 to discuss the process. In addition, the township is circulating a five-minute survey to collect input from residents, business owners, and property owners regarding their current energy usage and their interest in adopting energy-saving measures. Survey results will be incorporated into the final CEP.
The meeting will focus on local efforts to identify, map and outline an action plan to advance sustainable and green initiatives to help meet the goals of the state’s Energy Master Plan.
“Through this effort, we are aiming to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for a healthier environment now and in the future for Scotch Plains,” explained Councilmember Elizabeth Stamler, council liaison to the township’s Green Team.
“It is our hope that many members of our community can attend the upcoming meeting, as well as take the brief survey, as we work together to make Scotch Plains as energy efficient as possible,” Mayor Josh Losardo said. “This is both a short-term and long-term planning effort to create a more sustainable community, focusing on energy resilience and renewable energy.”
Learn more about the state’s CEP grant program, part of New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program through BPU.