Energy Efficiency Upgrades Complete at the Oakland Police Department, Firehouses 1, 2, and 3 – Other Facility Upgrades on the Way

A recently launched project between the Borough of Oakland and New Jersey Clean Energy, a division of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, will be a win for the environment and local taxpayers, the Borough says.

Earlier in 2020, the Oakland Governing Body approved an energy efficiency project to make energy improvements at the Oakland Police Department and Oakland Firehouses 1, 2, and 3.

“The overall improvements are expected to drop electricity consumption by about 17,607 kWh, and reduce gas consumption by 3,552 therms, saving the Borough over $18,000 per year”, Assistant to the Borough Administrator Michael Carelli said. “The total project cost was over $114,000.00, with over $74,000.00 worth of incentives awarded to the Borough through the Clean Energy Program. This project also qualified under the “Energy Efficiency to Municipal Facilities” action through Sustainable Jersey, which netted the Borough 50 Sustainable Jersey Certification Points for the 2020 certification cycle”, Carelli concluded.

"This program is a perfect example of sustainability by reducing energy dependency through upgraded technology and reduces a burden on tax dollars.  Sustainable Oakland looks forward to offering related programs to residents and businesses in the upcoming months", said Sustainable Oakland Chair Carol Peterson. 

The Borough will be pursuing a similar program through PSE&G for further energy efficiency lighting and HVAC system upgrades for the Borough Hall, Department of Public Works Building, Senior Center, and others. The project will go before the Governing Body later in 2020 for approval.