ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — At the New Jersey State League of Municipalities’ 87th Annual Conference, representatives from the New Jersey SmartStart Buildings Program provided the state’s municipal officials with information on how to cut energy costs while being more environmentally friendly.

As an example, the city of Summit recently installed new energy-efficient lighting in its buildings as well as LED technology in traffic lights. Energy costs will be significantly reduced as a result of the 191,000 kWh saved each year. The SmartStart program provided rebates of over $31,000 to help defray the cost of installation.

The New Jersey SmartStart Buildings Program is a collaborative effort sponsored by all of New Jersey’s electric and gas utilities. The seven utilities have teamed to offer commercial and industrial customers an array of design services and financial incentives to improve the energy efficiency of new construction, renovation, and equipment upgrade projects and to promote increased sustainable energy efficient practices.