b'pactful options for those residents iswhere you are and do what you can.CommunitySolar,astateprogramWhenweknowbetter,wedo that allows anyone with an electricbetter, Grant says. Thats not just a bill to subscribe to a share of energyphrase for us. Its a promise.generated by local solar farms.Electrify SOMA is a model for Its probably the most accessiblewhatcommunityactioncanlook program out there, he says. Thereslike when trust leads the way, she absolutelynoupfrontcosttosigncontinues. Its volunteers are teach-up,andcustomerstypicallyreceiveers, parents, retirees and profession-discounts between 10 percent and 20als. They lead with stories, not statis-percent off the regular electric supplytics. And their message is as practical rates. It can take a little digging onas it is hopeful: small local actions PSE&Gs website to find a partici- add up to global change.pating provider, but Electrify SOMAClimateconversationsdont volunteers can help guide residentshavetofeeloverwhelming,says through the process. Grant. No one can do everything, Although renters cant install solarbuteveryonecandosomething. panels or major equipment, they canWhenyoumultiplythatacrossa still save by joining Community So- community like ours, the impact is lar programs or, if they own certainextraordinary.appliances,bytakingadvantageofVisit electrifysoma.org for upcom-PSE&Gs incentives for energy-effi- ing events and resources. To get help cient upgrades like heat pump waterfrom a volunteer, complete the con-heaters,inductionrangesandheattact sheet on the website. Whether pump dryers. its at a library, a block party or a EvenasElectrifySOMAgrows,front porch chat, Electrify SOMAs its volunteers know that sustainabil- volunteers will walk beside you from ityisntastraightpath.Therearethere. frustrations,includingconflictingAmyLynn-Crameristhefounderof headlinesandshiftingregulations,Cramer Connect. Although she doesnt saysGrant.Butthegroupremainshave an EV quite yet, its on her wish groundedinoneprinciple:startlist this Christmas. Here are a few of the most impactfulincentives available to New Jersey residents. FULLY INSURED LIC: 13VH12858300PAINTING CARPENTRYElectric vehicles: Up to $4,000 in instant savings when pur-chasing a new EV through the Charge-Up NJ program. & GUTTERSHeat pumps: Up to $600 in rebates on HVAC systems, plus 0% financing for up to 10 years with PSE&Gs Energy Effi- INTERESTED IN UPGRADING YOURciency program. GUTTERS FROM 5 INCH TO 6 INCH?Home weatherization: Qualified residents receive energy- GET READY FOR WINTERefficient products installed at no cost from PSE&G. These mayincludeanENERGYSTARcertifiedsmartthermo- Aluminum Copper & Colorsstat, LED light bulbs, faucet aerators, efficient-flow show- K-Style & Half Rounderheads,ShowerStartshowerheadadapters,advancedWith 6 inch gutters and 3"X 4" downspouts power strips and water heater pipe insulation. you canhandle rain water more efficientlyHeat pump water heater: A $750 post-purchase rebate isNEED TO CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS? NOT A PROBLEM!currently available from PSE&G.WE DO INSTALLATIONREPAIR & SERVICESolar panels: Anyone who installs solar in New Jersey canCALL US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE(973) 951-0606receiveSolarRenewableEnergyCreditsbasedonthe power generated. In most setups, this amounts to several1980 SPRINGFIELD AVE SUITE 9A, MAPLEWOOD NJ 07040thousands of dollars during the lifetime of the system. TO TO GO TO SAVE For more information, reach out to Electrify SOMA. WEBSITE CONTACT www.xhrishomeimprovements.com info@xhrismail.comfeature story /19'