Holmdel Community Energy Work Plan 

The Holmdel Community Energy Plan (CEP) is primarily an implementation and action plan to reduce emissions throughout the Township, based on the framework provided by New Jersey 2019 Energy Master Plan - Pathway to 2050 (NJEMP). 

This work is also informed by NJ’s 2024 Priority Climate Action Plan, in which six focus areas are identified: 1) Transportation, 2) Residential and Commercial Buildings, 3) Electric Generation, 4) Food Waste, 5) Halogenated Gases, and 6) Natural and Working Lands. “These sectors contribute the most to greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey, or have the potential to significantly sequester carbon, and were identified … as key areas on which to focus reduction efforts.”^[1]

The development of Holmdel’s Community Energy Plan (CEP) is supported by a grant from the Clean Energy Program of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

A CEP planning team was formed consisting of interested residents who responded to a public invitation, members of the Holmdel Green Team and Holmdel Environmental Commission, and representatives of the governing body, municipal staff, Holmdel School District, and local businesses.

Using Holmdel-specific data provided by Sustainable Jersey, the CEP team reviewed the 42 initiatives suggested by the NJ Board of Public Utilities’ Clean Energy Program, as shown in the Community Energy Plan Workplan Template developed by Sustainable Jersey.

The following page lists the initiatives selected by the CEP team as Holmdel priorities for the next 3-5 years. These initiatives will generate significant greenhouse gas emission reductions for both municipal operations and the wider community while providing numerous local co-benefits, including improved air quality and cost savings.

The initiatives will be included in the Work Plan section of our final CEP report after stakeholder input is incorporated.

Strategy 1: Reduce Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Transportation Sector        4

Initiative 1.2: Train First Responders on EVs and EVSE (aka charging stations)        4

Initiative 1.3 Train Non-Emergency Staff on EVs and EVSE        5

Initiative 1.4 Purchase Alternative Fuel Vehicles        6

Initiative 1.6: Install Public EV Charging Infrastructure        7

Initiative 1.9 Community EV Outreach        8

Initiative 1.10 Anti-Idling Campaign        10

Strategy 2: Accelerate Deployment of Renewable Energy and Distributed Energy Resources        11

Initiative 2.3 Train First Responders on Solar (Photovoltaic) Panels        11

Initiative 2.4 Train Non-Emergency Staff on Solar        13

Initiative 2.5 Install On-Site Renewable Generation        14

Initiative 2.9 Implement Renewable Government Energy Aggregation (R-GEA)        15

Strategy 3: Maximize Energy Efficiency and Conservation and Reduce Peak Demand        16

Initiative 3.1 Upgrade Energy Efficiency for Municipal Facilities        16

Initiative 3.2 Residential Energy Efficiency Outreach Campaign        17

Initiative 3.4 Conduct Energy Efficiency Outreach to Large Energy Users        18

Strategy 4: Reduce Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Building Sector        21

Initiative 4.4 Provide Green Development Guidelines        21

Strategy 6: Support Community Energy Planning and Action with an Emphasis on Encouraging and Supporting Participation by Low- and Moderate-Income and Environmental Justice Communities        22

Initiative 6.2 Conduct Energy Efficiency Outreach to Low- and Moderate-Income Residents        22

Initiative 6.4 Support Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) Community Solar Subscriptions        23

References        25

Appendix. Data Sources        26

Strategy 1: Reduce Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Transportation Sector

Transportation accounts for nearly 40% of New Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to on-road gasoline consumption (NJDEP, “Transportation & Emissions”). Fossil fuel-powered transportation also produces local air pollution that significantly harms the health and quality of life of residents. Holmdel can electrify municipal fleet vehicles and promote transportation electrification in the community to lessen the negative impact of our transportation system on our community and the world.

Initiative 1.2: Train First Responders on EVs and EVSE (aka charging stations)

Description: To further public confidence and maintain emergency preparedness, require training on electric vehicles and associated infrastructure for local first responders.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

Holmdel Township has been proactive, with two of three groups of first responders reporting receiving regular training through their respective professional groups.

• Holmdel Fire Chief and Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Coordinator Eric Hernando:

• Some training has dealt with mitigation of EV emergencies. The NJ Division of Fire Safety provides training recommendations and best practices to the Monmouth County Fire Marshall, who then passes that information to Chief Hernando and Holmdel’s Fire Marshall.
• Holmdel participates in the Monmouth County Chiefs Network and the  Bayshore Active Fire Chiefs Association, which meets monthly and are excellent sources of information.
• Holmdel Fire Department hosted a safety seminar at Bell Works several years ago, which included inspecting several EVs.
• Holmdel Fire Department has purchased specialized electric vehicle fire blankets that can be placed over a burning EV to prevent the fire from spreading, and  several smaller fire blankets for lithium ion battery fires that may occur in ebikes, scooters, phones, and other devices

• The New Jersey Electric Vehicle Association offers free workshops for first responders, and currently has requests from East Freehold Fire Company and Robertsville Volunteer Fire Co. #1; we could coordinate with them to host a workshop, and thereby be prioritized. Chief Hernando is interested in following up.

• EMS Chief Chris Trischitta:

• NJ Department of Health and NJ Office of EMS (NJOEMS) provide clinical practices of what EMTs scope of practices are. Holmdel First Aid Squad has a Medical Director that supplies clinical protocols against these scopes of practice. EMTs need to be certified with a license, and are required to take 48 hours worth of CEUs courses every 3 year cycle to maintain their license. Holmdel First Aid Squad meets or exceeds all NJOEMS guidelines on vehicle equipment, training, and supplies.
• Holmdel First Aid Squad participates in the Monmouth Country Line Officers meeting annually, and local area first aid squad Chief's meetings quarterly.
• The First Aid squad would be interested in attending an EV workshop if it involved information about shutoffs and extrication from EVs after a crash.

• Police: Recent Get Behind the Wheel: EV Ride & Drive for Law Enforcement offered by Sustainable Jersey and NJ Clean Cities Coalition for municipal and police staff is an example of training that is periodically made available to police forces. Need clarification on training the police department has received.

Measures of Success:

• Key emergency response personnel continue to participate in training and education programs for local first responders to remain informed of best practices
• Integrate training into department policies and procedures

Next steps:

1. Work with the first responders, including law enforcement, fire, and emergency response departments to create a list of personnel who would need to undergo training.
2. Identify the training programs on EV and EVSE available for the first responders, e.g.:

1. National Fire Protection Association - Alternative Fuel Vehicles Safety Training Program
2. New Jersey Division of Fire Safety & Kean University Fire Safety Training
3. National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium

3. Document date/years of the training and education programs and the details of the personnel who have undergone the same.
4. Set a regular frequency for these training and education programs e.g. once every 3 years.

Initiative 1.3 Train Non-Emergency Staff on EVs and EVSE

Description: Initiate electric vehicle cross-training for non-emergency municipal staff such as code officials and automotive technicians.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• The Holmdel Construction Department does permitting and inspection. They do regular training, in accordance with DCA guidelines, through their respective disciplines.
• There are three disciplines in the construction department:

• Building subcode official
• Electrical official
• Fire subcode official, who is the Township Fire Marshall

source: Tara Buss, Holmdel Township Director of Personnel and Strategic Operations, Affordable Housing Liaison

Measures of Success:

• Training held for each relevant department
• Cross-training across permitting, zoning, and inspection functions if needed. 
• Policy established for ongoing training

Next steps:

1. Identify contacts in code enforcement, maintenance and planning.
2. Research available training and education programs on EV and EVSE and select one tailored for non-emergency personnel.
3. Work with the concerned departments to identify non-emergency personnel who need to undergo this training, including planning and zoning board members if needed.
4. Document date/years of the training and education programs and the details of the personnel who have undergone the same.
5. Set a regular frequency for these training and education programs

Initiative 1.4 Purchase Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Description: Replace existing municipal fleet vehicles with plug-in hybrid, battery electric, or other sustainable alternative fuel vehicles (AFV), informed by fleet analysis.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• The township currently has 2 hybrid police cars and 2 EVs are on order
• Received NJPBU Clean Fleet Grant for 2 EVs. $4,000 per vehicle.
• Township identified vehicles used by a building inspector and IT director as good candidates for first EV purchases.
• Township approved purchase of 2 EVs in Jan 2026 with projected delivery April 2026
• Township is planning EV charger installation at town hall and has applied for a NJ Board of Public Utilities grant for up to $4,000.

Measures of Success:

• Ranked Fleet Inventory
• Evaluation of performance and cost of first EVs
• Strategic list prioritizing vehicles in fleet to replace with AFVs with timeline
• Additional EVs added to fleet
• Fleet charging infrastructure installed to support municipal vehicles

Next steps:

1. Fleet analysis: Look at the existing municipal fleet and identify possible vehicles that could be replaced with EVs; typically vehicles that are driven more/use more fuel are more cost-effective to electrify.  
2. Evaluate performance and cost of first 2 EVs in fleet after one year.
3. Make a plan to purchase additional EVs if appropriate.
4. Leverage existing purchasing tools to identify and acquire EVs.
5. Identify funding opportunities and apply for incentives.

Initiative 1.6: Install Public EV Charging Infrastructure

Description: Install electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including chargers, signage, and safety and accessibility features, for public use.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• Throughout the Township, public chargers are mostly in shopping centers
• Worked with Bryan Electric to identify potential municipal sites to install public EV charging stations.  
• Identified the Senior Citizen Center, Phillips Park and Cross Farm Park as potential sites for EV charging stations.  Photos of locations were sent to Bryan Electric for a quote.
• Township joined NJ Clean Cities EMPOWER program; resources EMPOWER provided include handbook and guidance for selecting vendors.
• 2 public EV charging stations per 10,000 residents grants stipulation (NJ BPU Clean Fleet vs DEP It Pay$ to Plug In)
• Further conversation with Township suggests other locations may be better candidates for public-facing EV chargers (see Measures of Success below)
• NJ DEP has useful tools for tracking EV adoption and EVSE installations https://dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/charging/ which could help guide our recommendations

Measures of Success:

• Two public EV charging stations on municipal properties considered
• Additional charging stations at Multi-Unit Developments, Turnpike Authority commuter lot, Holmdel Park encouraged.

Next steps:

1. Map out existing public EV charging infrastructure in Holmdel.
2. Research other vendors and get quotes for public-facing chargers on municipal property.
3. Research and apply for grants if appropriate.
4. Work with JCP&L to understand the current electrical infrastructure. Do the location(s) selected have sufficient electrical capacity to support the installation, or does new equipment need to be installed?
5. Determine the number of chargers and charger type(s) to be installed based on community needs (survey employees at Town Hall and PO, users of parks).
6. Identify method for covering the costs of charger equipment purchase and installation.
7. Identify and apply for incentive programs that could help fund the installation.
8. Consider the regulations the municipality may want to implement regarding the usage of the public charging infrastructure (usage fees, time limits, etc.).
9. Reach out to multi-family dwelling owners (including HOAs where appropriate), commercial property owners, Monmouth County park system, Turnpike Authority, and Holmdel School District to encourage installation and inform of rebate opportunities.

Initiative 1.9 Community EV Outreach

Description: Outreach to residents, businesses, and other entities to encourage adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVSE) within Holmdel.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• NJ Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Make-Ready Requirements for Multifamily Housing (MFH)

• New or reconstructed MFH developments with five or more units must designate 15% of required off-street parking as EV make-ready parking spaces, in proportion to new or reconstructed MFH.
• Prior to occupancy, EV chargers must be installed in 5% of off-street parking.
• MFH must then install EV chargers in an additional 5% of parking spaces within 3 years of occupancy and another 5% within 6 years of occupancy. MFH may install make-ready parking spaces and EV chargers at a faster rate than required.
• Throughout the installation of EV chargers in make-ready parking spaces at multifamily housing, at least 5% of EV chargers must be accessible for people with disabilities. Additional terms and conditions apply.
• (Reference New Jersey Statutes 40:55D-5, 40:55D-66.20, 52:27D-119, and 40:55D-66.2)  Source: https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/laws/ELEC?state=NJ 

• New commercial development: see Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Make-Ready Requirements for New Developments https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/laws/ELEC?state=NJ 
• Condominiums: Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Policies for Condominiums at https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/laws/ELEC?state=NJ 
• EV and EV charging residential rebates and incentives - https://chargeup.njcleanenergy.com/
• https://dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/affordability-incentives/
• Fire Chief Hernando recommends a community education campaign for homeowners installing EV chargers, as there have been instances of fire caused by improperly installed home charging stations
• Fire Department would find a list of homes with EV chargers and/or solar panels to be very useful.

Measures of Success:

• Reach out to at least two of six potential audiences – residents, commercial property owners, multifamily property owners, commercial fleet operators, local workplaces, and automobile dealerships.
• For each of the two selected audiences, complete at least two Outreach Tasks (emails, social media, flyers, in-person events, etc.).

Next steps:

1. Identify the target audience for the campaign -- residents, commercial property owners, multifamily property owners (including HOAs), commercial fleet operators, local workplaces, and automobile dealerships.
2. Identify the objective of the campaign (promoting incentives, EV ride & drive, EVSE safety).
3. Develop relevant and up to date outreach materials to distribute.
4. Create an outreach campaign plan:

1. List existing community events that EV outreach could be included in
2. Consider social media and other outreach channels
3. Identify outreach partners, like community organizations and business organizations

5)  Coordinate with Township or County to provide EV charger and residential solar installation addresses to first responders.

Initiative 1.10 Anti-Idling Campaign

Description: Adopt and implement an anti-idling policy. Implement an ongoing outreach campaign to create awareness about the policy.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

History: Holmdel’s anti-idling campaign began in 2010 with the introduction of a No-Idling resolutionby the Township Committee to educate residents regarding the negative impact of idling.

It was determined that the bulk of the idling that occurred in town was at the three schools and the high school football field where parents drop off or pick up students. (At Village School parents have to park and go inside to pick up their child.) Members of the Green Team worked with the Board of Education to post "No Idling" signs at the three Holmdel schools and at Roggy Field. The Board of Education instructed their bus drivers not to idle while waiting to pick up students. Articles were written for publications and tabling was done at the High School Eco Fair and Earth Day to inform the public, as well as a brochure that was created and distributed at the public library. Source: 2015 Holmdel SJ Certification report

In 2025, the no-idling campaign was rebooted by meeting with the Superintendent of Schools. Outcomes of that meeting include:

• Superintendent Cascone reached out to the school bus provider to remind them of the no-idling law.
• The Green Team worked with representatives of the schools to identify where additional signs would be useful.
• The superintendent promoted the program in the new school year through his parent newsletter.
• The Green Team purchased 9 additional signs which were installed at the schools.
• Anti-idling is included in the curriculum for the AP Environmental course at the HS.
• Green Team members met with the High School Eco Club, which then developed an information campaign in October which informed parents picking up students at the High School about the law and encouraged them to sign a no-idling pledge.
• HS Principal’s Weekly emails continue to remind parents about idling and the anti-idling pledge.

Measures of Success:

• Mapping of prioritized anti-idling locations in the community and installation of signs
• Protocol for reporting local violations^[a] established and promoted

Next steps: 

1. Identify additional idle-frequent locations in the municipality and prioritize, extending the anti-idling campaign to the entire town. Partner with HEC to do this, ask for community volunteers. Candidates: other schools, Township parks, commercial lots.
2. Post information about anti-idling in a prominent location on the Township website, with links to information about the environmental and health aspects of air pollution, and what residents can do if they observe commercial vehicles or buses polluting (e.g.).
3. Reach out to owners of those properties to encourage placement of anti-idling signs.
4. Encourage compliance by posting signs at idle-frequent locations. (Ordered from NJDEP - $15 each, or Township might be able to make them in-house.)
5. Utilize community events, township publications, and township social media to raise awareness of the effects of idling.
6. Work with officials to establish training and enforcement protocols to ensure compliance with the Anti-Idling Policy. Ensure the School Resource Officers have been made aware of the law. (question: has any NJ town done this?) Can SROs hand out warnings? Talk to Police officers about this.
7. Consider formal recognition of an anti-idling campaign via Township Resolution (e.g.)
8. Monitor effectiveness of the above efforts on idling. (question: has any NJ town done this? It is suggested by SJ in their associated action).

Resources:

• https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/stopthesoot/pdf/enforcement-of-njs-idling-requirements.pdf
• Pledge: https://dep.nj.gov/stopthesoot/idling-what-you-can-do/
• https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/stopthesoot/faq.pdf

Other Towns:

• https://www.cityofsummit.org/DocumentCenter/View/526/No-Idling-Campaign-PDf
• https://www.Township.woodbridge.nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/2816/Stop-Idling-PDF?bidId=
• https://middletownnj.org/940/Anti-Idling
• https://www.waldwicknj.gov/media/Environmental_Adv_Committee/11-23-2020__Anti_Idling.pdf

Strategy 2: Accelerate Deployment of Renewable Energy and Distributed Energy Resources

Expanding renewable energy generation is necessary to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from our energy system. New Jersey’s most readily available renewable resource is sunlight, which more and more utility customers can now access thanks to declining prices and new systems like community solar. Holmdel can continue to refine local policies regarding solar and other renewable resources to promote local growth of renewable generation capacity.

Initiative 2.3 Train First Responders on Solar (Photovoltaic) Panels

Description: To further public confidence and maintain emergency preparedness, require training on solar panels for local first responders.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• Fire, police, and EMS each do regular safety training.
• EMS has not specifically been trained on solar panels, nor do they anticipate a need for such training. There is a clear division of responsibilities when responding to emergencies. The protocol is if a police officer or firefighter is medically affected while responding to a fire, the corresponding department moves the affected member to the first aid squad for treatment. (source: EMS Chief Chris Trischitta)
• Per Holmdel Fire Chief and Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Coordinator Eric Hernando

• Some training has dealt with handling solar (photovoltaic or PV) panel fires. The NJ Division of Fire Safety provides training recommendations and best practices to the Monmouth County Fire Marshall, who then passes that information to Chief Hernando and Holmdel’s Fire Marshall.
• Holmdel also participates in the Monmouth County Chiefs Network and the Bayshore Active Fire Chiefs Association, which meets monthly and are excellent sources of information.
• Commercial entities with solar installations are required to post a standard sign indicating the presence of solar panels; Holmdel firefighters are trained to recognize that sign.
• Fire Department would find a list of homes with EV chargers and/or solar panels to be very useful.

• Need clarification on training the police department has received.

Measures of Success:

• Key emergency response personnel participate in training and education programs for local first responders
• Integrate training into department policies and procedures

Next steps:

1. Work with the first responders, including law enforcement, fire, and emergency response departments to create a list of key emergency response personnel who would need to undergo these training and education programs.
2. Identify the training and education programs on solar and allied infrastructure available for the first responders. e.g.:

1. New Jersey Division of Fire Safety & Kean University Fire Safety Training
2. Interstate Renewable Energy Council - Clean Energy Resources and Training
3. U.S. DOE - SolSmart Standard Program Guide

3. Document date/years of the training and education programs and the details of the personnel who have undergone the same.
4. Set a regular frequency for these training and education programs e.g. once every 3 years.

Initiative 2.4 Train Non-Emergency Staff on Solar

Description: To ensure municipal staff are prepared to deal with permitting, inspection, etc. for solar installations in Holmdel and require training on solar infrastructure for appropriate municipal staff.

 Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

Holmdel Construction Department does permitting and inspection. They do regular training, in accordance with DCA  guidelines.

There are three disciplines in the construction department:

• Building subcode official
• Electrical official
• Fire subcode official, who is the Township Fire Marshall

All do receive frequent training provided through their disciplines.

(source: Tara Buss, Holmdel Township Director of Personnel and Strategic Operations, Affordable Housing Liaison)

Permitting of solar systems is overseen by the zoning department. Source: https://www.holmdeltownship.com/177/Zoning-Office

Measures of Success:

• Training for relevant departments
• Cross-train building, zoning, inspection, and permitting staff as needed
• Policy established for ongoing training

Next steps:

1. Identify the appropriate non-emergency staff who would need to undergo these training and education programs.
2. Identify the training and education programs on solar and allied infrastructure available for the non-emergency staff, e.g.:

1. Interstate Renewable Energy Council - Clean Energy Resources and Training
2. U.S. DOE - SolSmart Standard Program Guide

3. Document date/years of the training and education programs and the details of the personnel who have undergone the same.
4. Set a regular frequency for these training and education programs e.g. once every 3 years.

Initiative 2.5 Install On-Site Renewable Generation

Description: Host a solar, wind, or geothermal project on municipal property to generate renewable energy for municipal facilities. Such projects can be leased from a developer or purchased and owned outright.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• The Mayor and Township Administrator are interested in exploring solar options for our municipal buildings. Remote net metering may be an attractive option. Solar pavilions behind the municipal complex and/or the Senior/Community Center have been mentioned.
• Prefer not to own our own panels, which implies our options are hosting a community solar site or entering into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a developer.
• 5 sites of interest were identified: municipal building, firehouse on CC Rd, DPW at CC Rd, Bayonet Farm 41 Middletown Rd, and Potters Farm on Red Hill Rd. The capacity maps for 4 of 5 those sites do not look promising (Less than 100 kW AC remaining), but Potters Farm may be a candidate (3060 kW AC remaining capacity).  
• SJ suggested requesting a pre-application evaluation from JCP&L, which costs $300 per site or $700 per site. The enhanced report includes a meeting with the engineer who prepared the report. Need online access to JCP&L account.
• Solar feasibility study for municipal properties may be part of the Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA) program the Township has approved.

Measures of Success:

• Contract with a developer to buy or lease a renewable installation on municipal property
• Implement outreach to illustrate benefits of renewable energy to the community using the municipal project

Next steps:

1. Explore other known solar pavilion installations such as Aberdeen Township or Brookdale Community College.
2. Identify appropriate hosting sites for the solar installation on municipal property. Future site plans, historic building designation, and rooftop condition play a role in site potential. Optimal locations receive direct sunlight with little-to-no shading, have a southern exposure, and are close to the point of interconnection (where the utility meter is located).
3. Assess the site’s solar potential to determine if the site has grid capacity to host a solar project of the size we are considering. Each electric utility has an interconnection capacity map showing available capacity.
4. Identify the purchasing model the municipality wants to utilize. Options include a Direct Purchase or a Power Purchase Agreement. Consider the benefits listed at: https://www.epa.gov/green-power-markets/solar-power-purchase-agreements
5. Consider available incentive programs if purchasing outright.
6. Issue an RFP with project specifications and select a vendor that best fits project goals.
7. Selected vendor completes a detailed design, obtains permits and other needed approvals (including from the utility and the NJ Board of Public Utilities), procures the equipment, and installs the system.

Initiative 2.9 Implement Renewable Government Energy Aggregation (R-GEA)

Description: Establish a Renewable Government Energy Aggregation (R-GEA) program. R-GEA is a third-party electric supply contract negotiated by a municipality (or group of municipalities) on behalf of its residents. Utilizing their population size, municipalities can negotiate for a supply that is more sustainable, often less expensive than can typically be achieved by individual residents.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• Holmdel participates in the Sustainable Monmouth Alliance Energy Aggregation Program (SMAEP) with Red Bank and several other municipalities. Resolution 2020-355 was signed Nov. 10, 2020, and designated Red Bank as the lead agency operating on behalf of the cooperative. To date, the company managing the cooperative has not been able to assemble a package due to a volatile energy market.
• The program is described in a generic way here:

Community Energy Aggregation Program Introductory Video:

CEA Program Introduction Video.mp4

• This cooperative was offered as an example of a successful program:

Hunterdon Area Energy Cooperative Program Web Page:

https://njaggregation.us/haec

• Contact:

Lisa Hibbs, CEP, Director Sales & Project Management - Government Sector

Concord Energy Services, Concord Engineering Group, Inc.

520 S Burnt Mill Rd, Voorhees, NJ 08043

T: 856.427.0200

C: 609.310.1353

www.concord-engineering.com

www.njaggregation.us

• 4/4/26 status update from Lisa Hibbs:  no further development in SMAEP, but there are options available to the Township if Holmdel would like to consider joining a more active energy aggregation cooperative.

Measures of Success:

• Third-party supplier bids received below the default utility electricity rate
• R-GEA contract contains renewable content at least 20% above the current Renewable Portfolio Standard at the time

Next steps:

1. Follow up with Lisa Hibbs regarding  joining a more active energy aggregation cooperative; share that information with Township Administration.
2. If the Township decides to pursue another aggregation cooperative opportunity, and the contractor secures an energy contract for Holmdel residents, the Green Team and municipal staff will work together to promote the program.

Strategy 3: Maximize Energy Efficiency and Conservation and Reduce Peak Demand

Energy efficiency and conservation are the most cost-effective methods of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the energy system. Improving energy efficiency also generates local jobs, reduces local pollution, improves health and comfort, and adds resiliency to the energy system. Holmdel can utilize energy efficiency to lower costs in municipal operations and encourage the community to follow suit to realize these many benefits.

Initiative 3.1 Upgrade Energy Efficiency for Municipal Facilities

Description: Upgrade municipal facilities to be more energy efficient. The New Jersey Clean Energy Program and the electric and natural gas utilities offer incentive programs that guide municipalities through the upgrade process, starting with walk-through audits to establish the most effective measures to reduce energy use. Following implementation, showcase upgrades in energy efficiency outreach to the community.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• Township administration expressed interest in identifying cost-effective upgrades.
• The Green Team created a list of local government facilities.
• Sustainable Jersey (SJ) energy technical assistance collected energy data for all municipal buildings to perform an energy audit. However, the walk-throughs did not take place because the Direct Install program was on hold.
• Since walk-throughs from the SJ audit process were on hold for many months, the Township decided to start the process of applying for NJ BPU Clean Energy Program’s Local Government Energy Audit (LGEA), a free comprehensive energy and water audit. LGEA has a longer lead time but provides more information (including solar options).
• The Township and the Green Team collected the necessary paperwork, including 14 months of utility bills to start the audit. Township has provided the bills and Green Team compiled the data to confirm completeness. This data was sent to Sustainable Jersey to start the LGEA application. Once complete, the data will be sent to NJBPU and walk-throughs will be scheduled in all municipal buildings.
• Audits under $150,000 are free.

Measures of Success:

• LGEA energy audit report with recommendations and incentive information.
• Prioritized plan with selected energy recommendations for Township facilities.
• Implementation of high-impact improvements (lighting, HVAC, controls).
• Documented reductions in energy use and operating costs.

Next steps:

1. Complete and submit LGEA application.

2. Schedule walkthrough assessment with LGEA auditor.
3. Review audit report when available; select energy conservation measures/projects that are best suited to the municipality’s current needs; considering potential energy savings, cost-effectiveness, available incentives and  budget to implement the project.
4. Share what we learn about the LGEA  process with Holmdel Public Schools for their consideration.
5. Monitor and evaluate the results of the implementation projects after installation. Use Sustainable Jersey for assistance.

Initiative 3.2 Residential Energy Efficiency Outreach Campaign

Description: Implement an outreach effort to help residents take advantage of home energy efficiency incentive programs offered by New Jersey’s electric and natural gas utilities, including Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, Comfort Partners and other programs and incentives available through the New Jersey Clean Energy Program.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• At past events such as Earth Day Festivals Holmdel's Green Team has undertaken outreach efforts to inform Holmdel residents of various energy saving options available to them.
• State and Federal programs have changed in recent years.
• The New Jersey Clean Energy Program, administered by NJBPU, offers many programs to help residents reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and transition to clean energy technologies. These programs include rebates, financial incentives, free services, home audits, and technical guidance, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy adoption. These incentives and rebates are now managed by the utilities.
• NJ DEP released a new funding tool: New Jersey’s Funding One-Stop Shop
• NJ Home Electrification Coaching Network: free service from trained coaches to help NJ residents make a plan for home electrification.

Measures of Success:

• Residential outreach conducted through at least two channels (social media, website, events, mailers, energy fair).
• Residents connected with home energy assessments and rebate programs.
• Increased participation in state and utility efficiency programs.

Next steps:

1. Municipal staff identified to collaborate with Green Team on outreach.
2. Investigate the NJBPU’s New Jersey Clean Energy Programs that would be appropriate for Holmdel residents (home audits by utility companies, equipment purchase incentives, residential solar energy programs, home electrification support, income-eligible programs (including LMI support), and financing options.
3. Understand the residential population -- the outreach team will need to review and assess the characteristics of the local community to build a successful outreach campaign.  
4. Identify utility partners: Each utility has provided a contact for their preferred liaison for municipal/green team outreach campaigns. The outreach team should reach out to the designated contact for both their electric and natural gas utilities.
5. Create an outreach plan -- the outreach team will work with the utility-designated representative(s) to create an outreach plan focused on the current whole home energy assessment programs offered by the electric and natural gas utility or utilities serving the community.
6. Implement the outreach plan: Work with the utility partner(s) to prepare the outreach materials for the campaign. The utility partner(s) may provide financial support for mailings and other outreach strategies.
7. Consider hosting an energy fair which would be staffed by utility company representatives and home electrification experts. A second fair or separate section of the energy fair could offer contractors an opportunity to be showcased..

Initiative 3.4 Conduct Energy Efficiency Outreach to Large Energy Users

Description: By reducing energy use overall and during times of peak demand, large energy users make a meaningful contribution to resilience and provide health benefits. Explore and promote large energy user programs (e.g. Engineered Solutions and Demand Response).

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• Demand Response (specifically, CPower)

• CPower contracts with large energy users (towns, schools, hospitals, universities, etc.) who are willing to voluntarily reduce their power use during times of peak demands. Locally, Upper Freehold Regional School District and New Brunswick Board of Education participate.
• CPower contracts with the utility, promising to reduce a certain load on the electrical grid when needed. To accomplish this, they aggregate large energy users to meet the promised load reduction.
• The threshold to participate is 100kW - Holmdel would have to be able and willing to temporarily reduce that much electricity when called upon by the utility.
• Organizations are compensated for their participation, per event. One annual test event of ½ hour is also paid.
• Participants can refuse to reduce their power load if called upon to do so, but will not be compensated.
• Advance notice of events is typically provided. Sometimes it is possible to take steps so that people barely even notice the difference - such as pre-cooling a building then only running the fans during the event.
• Benefits: financial; reduces pollution during peak loads on grid (e.g. reduces need for higher-pollution sources of energy used at those times); resilience.
• Source: Matthew Cohen, CPower Business Development Representative, matthew.cohen@cpowerenergy.com (267) 379-8342

• JCP&L offers a commercial energy efficiency program, Engineered Solutions: JCP&L Engineered Solutions Program FAQs

Measures of Success:

• One of the community’s largest energy users enrolls in utility energy efficiency program
• One of the community’s largest energy users enrolls in demand-side management program

Next steps:

1. Provide letter of authorization to CPower to determine if Holmdel Township qualifies as a large energy user.
2. Identify and meet with utility staff to learn about other incentive programs available to large energy users.
3. Compile a list of large energy users in the municipality.
4. Share outreach materials for relevant incentive programs with large energy user facility managers.

Strategy 4: Reduce Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Building Sector

According to New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan (2019), 62% of the state’s total end-use energy consumption is associated with buildings, with space heating, water heating, appliances, and industrial uses accounting for 28% of New Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions. Decisions made during new construction and building retrofits have significant and long-lasting impacts on this energy use. Holmdel can reduce energy use and emissions from buildings by prioritizing green design in new construction and utilizing municipal buildings as models for the community.

Initiative 4.4 Provide Green Development Guidelines

Description: Create a Green Building 'best practices' guide for developers and homeowners

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• The CEP team decided to pursue creating a best practices guide for developers rather than mandate completion of a checklist.
• Look for models in nearby towns and professional/industry organization recommendations.  Red Bank checklist. Morristown guidelines. Sustainability Guides from NJ DEP.

Measures of Success:

• Green Development Guidelines published and promoted to developers, architects, and homeowners

Next steps:

1. Using Sustainable Jersey's Green Building Policy/Resolution action resource and nearby towns’ models, develop green building guidelines for Holmdel Township.
2. Review draft guidelines with municipal staff and volunteers.
3. Review the draft with the Green Team, Environmental Commission, and relevant committees, including planning, zoning, historic boards, and local developers.
4. Present the final ordinance to the Planning Board and Governing Body for adoption, following municipal procedures.
5. Publicize the guidelines, highlighting their benefits.
6. Institutionalize a process to update the guidelines every three years, reviewing data and new policies for updates.

Strategy 6: Support Community Energy Planning and Action with an Emphasis on Encouraging and Supporting Participation by Low- and Moderate-Income and Environmental Justice Communities

New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan calls for Community Energy Plans like this one to drive a rapid shift to a clean energy system that specifically benefits low- and moderate-income (LMI) and environmental justice (EJ) residents. Under the current system, low- and moderate-income residents often struggle to afford energy resources such as electricity and gasoline. Meanwhile, environmental justice communities suffer from health problems caused by pollution from the fossil-fuel-based energy system. By integrating the needs of LMI and EJ communities with local energy initiatives, Holmdel can alleviate burdens on these communities caused by the current system while mitigating global climate change.

Initiative 6.2 Conduct Energy Efficiency Outreach to Low- and Moderate-Income Residents

Description: Promote state and utility energy efficiency programs for low- and moderate-income residents using community-serving institutions as messengers, using non-English promotional materials where appropriate, and emphasizing co-benefits of energy efficiency upgrades (health, safety, and comfort).

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• The Township can identify addresses with LMI residents but do not have a way to reach individuals directly, due to privacy. Township has the ability to reach out to Affordable Housing unit owners by address, and does a mailing to those addresses once a year in the spring, based on information made available from the State.
• An affordable housing trust fund (formerly COA, now called Fair Share Housing) exists which is funded by fees paid by developers; it is not taxpayer-funded; this trust fund supports the annual mailings.
• If the Green Team wanted to organize an energy fair which included outreach to LMI residents, we would need to bring a proposal to the CFO, Township Administrator, and Affordable Housing Liaison Tara Buss. (source: Tara Buss, Holmdel Township Director of Personnel and Strategic Operations, Affordable Housing Liaison)

Measures of Success:

• Energy Efficiency programs for LMI residents incorporated into annual mailings to LMI residents.
• Incorporate LMI programs in other outreach efforts.

Next steps:

1. Form an outreach team with the Green Team, relevant department representatives, and utility providers to develop an outreach program targeting Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) residents.
2. Review demographic information to gain an understanding of the median household incomes for each neighborhood in the community.
3. Learn about the incentive programs for low-income and moderate-income residents that are available to your residents.
4. Coordinate with the incentive program administrators on the appropriate timing and scale of an outreach campaign. LMI programs tend to be fully expended each fiscal year, so the outreach team should ensure funding is available at the time of the outreach campaign.
5. Plan the outreach campaign:

1. Compile a list of Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) community-serving institutions and local leaders and influencers to help mobilize community participation.
2. Disseminate promotional materials through multiple channels like the municipal website, social media, local newspapers, radio, etc., to reach a wider audience, and potentially through a town-wide energy fair.
3. Collaborate with community-serving institutions, local leaders, and influencers to help mobilize LMI participation in energy efficiency projects.

Initiative 6.4 Support Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) Community Solar Subscriptions

Description: Inform Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) residents of energy discounts available through Community Solar projects.

Departments involved:

Progress to date/Information Gathered

• The Township can identify addresses with LMI residents but do not have a way to reach individuals directly, due to privacy. Township has the ability to reach out to Affordable Housing unit owners by address, and does a mailing to those addresses once a year in the spring, based on information made available from the State.
• There is an affordable housing trust fund (formerly COA, now called Fair Share Housing) which can pay for the mailing, it is not taxpayer funding, rather fees paid by developers.
• Community solar allows renters and homeowners to subscribe to a local, off-site solar farm, reducing their electric bills by about 20% through credits for the energy generated. It is ideal for those unable to install panels due to cost, shade, roof issues, or renting. Participants, including low-to-moderate income households, can sign up with no upfront costs or maintenance. The NJ Community Solar program requires a minimum of 51% subscribers be from LMI households.

Measures of Success:

• Community Solar program incorporated into annual mailings to LMI residents.
• Participation in office hours and/or community solar info sessions.

Next steps:

1. Include CS information in annual LMI mailing and other energy campaign events which are planned (e.g. an energy fair).
2. Offer ‘office hours’ for in-person assistance with community solar enrollment and general questions.
3. Offer community solar info sessions to affordable housing multifamily dwellings.

References

Community Energy Data Slides for Holmdel Township. 2024.  Sustainable Jersey. CEPG PY3_Intake_HolmdelTwp..pptx

EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration). 2021. New Jersey State Profile and Energy Estimates. https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=NJ.

NJDEP (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection). 2020. New Jersey Scientific Report on Climate Change At-A-Glance. https://www.nj.gov/dep/climatechange/pdf/scientific-report-on-climate-change-at-a-glance.pdf.

NJDEP. 2020. “Transportation and Emissions.” https://www.nj.gov/dep/aqes/opea-trans-emissions.html.

NJDEP. 2021. New Jersey Environmental Justice Mapping Tool. https://njdep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=34e507ead25b4aa5a5051dbb85e55055.

NJDEP. 2022. NJ Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report Years 1990-2019. https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/ghg/2022-ghg-inventory-report_final-1.pdf 

NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory). 2018. “Research and Analysis Demonstrate the Lack of Impacts of Glare from Photovoltaic Modules.” https://www.nrel.gov/state-local-tribal/blog/posts/research-and-analysis-demonstrate-the-lack-of-impacts-of-glare-from-photovoltaic-modules.html.

SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association). 2022. “Top 10 Solar States.” https://www.seia.org/research-resources/top-10-solar-states-0.

State of New Jersey. 2018. New Jersey’s Railroad Network. https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/gis/maps/RailRoadlines.pdf.

State of New Jersey. 2020. 2019 New Jersey Energy Master Plan: Pathway to 2050. State of New Jersey. https://nj.gov/emp/docs/pdf/2020_NJBPU_EMP.pdf.

Appendix. Data Sources

Most data used in this plan is sourced from the Sustainable Jersey Data Center.