For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Jackie Greger, Jackie.Greger@sierraclub.org
Advocates applaud advancement of legislation to increase energy affordability, upgrade homes with heat pumps
New research reveals accelerating the adoption of heat pumps in New Jersey can bring down energy costs for consumers without adding strain to the grid
Trenton, NJ — The New Jersey Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee today advanced a suite of bills that would lower energy costs for residents, including A-4844, legislation that would make it more affordable for residents to choose to upgrade to highly efficient, electric heat pumps. In addition to passing A-4844 out of committee, lawmakers also advanced several other bills that will make critical reforms to New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities that will result in lower energy costs for residents.
A-4844 provides a market driven approach which allows consumers to choose the best heating and cooling solution for their needs by providing incentives for efficient electric appliances. Recent analysis shows that upgrading homes with heat pumps will put downward pressure on electric rates year round for all New Jersey residents by tapping into excess summertime capacity during the winter months. A new study from Energy Futures Group also shows that New Jersey’s current electric grid has enough capacity to electrify heating in nearly 1.1 million single-family homes.
Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling in one system at a fraction of the energy use compared to both gas furnaces and central air conditioners. Ahead of summer, upgrading homes with heat pumps is critical to keeping residents safe, comfortable, and cool during extreme heat events. Heat pumps can also improve air quality in New Jersey, where nine counties received failing grades for high ozone days in 2025 from the American Lung Association. According to Rewiring America, upgrading New Jersey homes with heat pumps can bring $2.3 billion in annual health benefits by reducing this air pollution.
Find statements in reaction to today’s committee votes from a coalition of advocates below:
Anjuli Ramos-Busot, NJ State Director, Sierra Club
“When it comes to household energy consumption, New Jerseyans need more options, consumer choice and accessibility. Starting in June, all rate payers in the state will face increased energy costs, and A4844/S249 provides them with the choice and accessibility to higher efficiency appliances, and ultimately save money. New Jersey needs this. We are eager to see the legislature seeking creative solutions to alleviate the economic burden on New Jerseyans, and we are thankful for Chairman DeAngelo’s leadership on this. Today, the TUE committee took a strong step in the right decision toward cleaner air and healthier communities in New Jersey.”
David Amanfu, Building Decarbonization Advocate, Climate & Energy, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
“The bold action taken by legislators today to advance A-4844 will save money for New Jersey households. Promoting the adoption of highly efficient heat pumps will lower energy costs for families and residents at a time when many Garden State households are being forced to squeeze their pocketbooks. It’s now important for the entire Assembly and Senate to pass this critical legislation so New Jersey families and residents receive much-needed and urgent financial relief in the form of lower utility bills.”
Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters
“Let’s be clear, the same special interest pushing back on cost-savings heating and cooling technologies were also opposed to LED light bulbs because they cost a few bucks extra to buy, but saved hundreds in just a few years. When you use more energy, big oil and gas CEOs rake in profits and that’s why they are opposing cost-saving legislation. Helping households upgrade to clean energy technology such as highly efficient heat pumps is a no brainer. It’s a win for consumers, helps reduce strain on the grid, and will lead to a more resilient New Jersey. With their superior efficiency, heat pumps outperform both gas furnaces and central air conditioners and their continued adoption will allow New Jersey to make full use of its plentiful grid capacity to lower energy costs. While today’s vote to advance A-4844 was a key step, it’s important that the entire legislature carries the momentum and quickly passes the bill to lower energy costs for New Jerseyans.”
Barbara Blumenthal, Policy Director, ReThink Energy NJ
“We’re encouraged to see New Jersey legislators use every tool in their toolbox to bring costs down for consumers, including common-sense legislation that makes it easier for residents to upgrade to heat pumps. This state-of-the-art technology reduces energy bills so residents have more money in their pockets.”
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About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information about our work in New Jersey, visit www.sierraclub.org/new-jersey.