South Jersey Gas (a subsidiary of SJI) hosted an event on Thursday to highlight the successful completion of major energy-efficiency upgrades at the First Baptist Church of Wildwood. The project, executed through the utility’s Direct Install Energy Efficiency Program, is designed to help community organizations modernize their facilities, reduce energy consumption, and generate significant long-term savings.
The church’s comprehensive upgrade showcased a blend of gas and electric measures, including:
- Interior and Exterior Lighting: Installation of LED flush mount fixtures and flood lights.
- Heating and Hot Water: New condensing hot water boilers and pipe wrap insulation.
- HVAC: Electric fuel use economizers and smart thermostats for AC split systems.
The total cost of the project was $179,940, with a substantial $143,699 incentive provided by South Jersey Gas. The church covered its $36,241 upfront cost using the utility’s zero-interest, five-year, on-bill repayment program.
The efficiency improvements are forecasted to deliver major annual savings for the century-old church, which serves as a staple in the Wildwood community, supporting organizations like Lazarus House and Habitat for Humanity.
The projected annual savings include:
- Fuel Savings: 6,096 therms
- Electric Savings: 5,280 kWh
“The anticipated cost savings spurred by this upgrade are expected to help ensure the First Baptist Church of Wildwood can continue playing an integral role as a staple in their community for years to come,” NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy said.
Maureen Minkel, senior director of Marketing & Energy Efficiency at SJI, encouraged other businesses and organizations to utilize the program.
“These improvements are intended to help drive savings, enhance operational efficiency and create a more comfortable environment,” Minkel said. “We encourage other businesses to take advantage of these opportunities to take control of their energy use, lower utility costs and improve overall performance.”
Bob McLaughlin, trustee for the church, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “Participating in the Direct Install Energy Efficiency Program has been a real blessing for our church… The program has allowed us to create a more comfortable and sustainable environment for our congregation while saving energy and money at the same time.”
