Energy & Climate Change

The Township of Montclair has been recognized as a leader in municipal energy conservation, energy efficiency, clean energy initiatives and cost-saving measures.

Over a decade ago the NJ Board of Public Utilities’ Office of Clean Energy awarded us their first ever Award

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated us a Climate Showcase Community, and awarded us a grant enabling us to quantify our energy use and the corresponding greenhouse gas emissions into a Community Carbon Footprint; produce a Montclair Energy Plan; and, create a Town-wide CO2 Reduction Plan.

These tools and the acknowledgment from state and federal agencies are valuable resources as our municipal operations work to lower costs and reduce our community’s energy emissions which contribute to climate change and air pollution in the region.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Municipal Buildings

Between2016 and 2017, the Township of Montclair’s office of Environmental Affairs coordinated the municipality’s participation in the PSE&G Direct Install Program. This is a cost-saving energy efficiency program for local governments, offered by our utility, which helps city halls, firehouses, small businesses and non-profit organizations to save energy and money by becoming more energy efficient.

On America’s road toward cleaner energy, a healthier environment, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, the first step – before acquiring renewable energy – is to first “reduce the use”, by lowering the demand side.

Go to article.
Climate Showcase Community
Montclair's Climate Showcase Community Grant Measures CO2 Footprint

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored the Township of Montclair by designating us a Climate Showcase Community, providing us with a grant for an innovative program to help our residents, schools, businesses and the municipal operations to reduce their energy usage, their utility bill costs, and their greenhouse gas emissions. Go to article.
Montclair Joins Electricity Purchasing Group

Lowering Bills and Increasing Clean Energy

“We are Saving Some Green by Going Green”

Over the past five years, due to our on-going efforts to save money and share services, Montclair has joined a local government aggregation pool for purchasing electricity.

The Township Council authorized Hudson County to act as the lead purchasing agency for the Essex Hudson Regional Cooperative Purchasing System (EHRCPS). The agreement includes Montclair and 33 other towns and cities in Essex and Hudson counties, and the two county governments. Go to article.

NJ BPU Highlights Proposed Montclair Microgrid

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (Board) President Richard S. Mroz and Commissioner Joseph L. Fiordaliso were joined by Montclair Acting Township Manager Timothy F. Stafford, Esq. and elected local officials at a press conference today highlighting the Board’s approval of Montclair Township’s application for funding to conduct a Town Center Distributed Energy Resource microgrid feasibility study. Montclair’s proposal is unique amongst the other twelve approved feasibility study applicants as the town center microgrid would include a mass transportation component in New Jersey Transit’s Bay Street Station. Go to article.