Last updated: March 29, 2026
HEAR program status: Launching 2026 — New Jersey received $91.3 million in HEAR funding. The NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is finalizing the program through its contractor TRC Energy Solutions. Statewide launch timeline is summer-fall 2026. Utility rebate programs through PSE&G, JCP&L, and Atlantic City Electric are live and substantial.
PSE&G serves most of northern and central New Jersey including Newark, Trenton, and the Jersey Shore corridor.
| Measure | Rebate | Additional Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump HVAC (qualifying systems) | Up to $900 instant rebate | 0% on-bill financing up to $75,000 |
| Heat pump water heater | Rebate available | Check current amounts at pseg.com |
| Smart thermostat | Rebate available | Connected devices program |
PSE&G's 0% on-bill financing is the standout — customers can finance up to $75,000 in energy upgrades at no interest. Verify current rebate amounts and financing terms at pseg.com.
JCP&L serves central and northern NJ including Monmouth, Ocean, Warren, Morris, Sussex, and Hunterdon counties.
| Equipment Type | Rebate |
|---|---|
| Standard qualifying heat pump | $500 |
| Cold-climate heat pump (enhanced efficiency) | $1,000 |
| Heat pump water heater | Available — check current amounts |
JCP&L's cold-climate tier reward is important for NJ practitioners — the state's mix of heating seasons makes cold-climate heat pump specification worth the conversation for most clients.
ACE serves South Jersey including Atlantic City, Cape May, Salem, Cumberland, Burlington, and Gloucester counties.
| Measure | Standard Rebate | LMI Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Central heat pump system | $300–$600 | +$200 |
| Heat pump water heater | $400–$700 | +$200 |
| Combined maximum (LMI) | — | Up to $1,300 |
| Measure | Rebate |
|---|---|
| Qualifying heat pump equipment | Up to $1,400 |
New Jersey's Comfort Partners program provides free energy efficiency upgrades for income-qualified households. This is one of the most comprehensive income-qualified programs in the country:
| Credit | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 25C — Heat Pump HVAC | 30% of cost, max $2,000/year | Stacks with utility rebates |
| 25C — Heat Pump Water Heater | 30% of cost, max $600/year | Stacks with utility rebates |
| 25C — Insulation & Air Sealing | 30% of cost, max $1,200/year | — |
| 25C — Panel Upgrade | 30% of cost, max $600/year | Part of $1,200 combined cap |
| 25D — Solar PV / Battery | 30% of cost, no cap | No income limit |
| Maximum 25C annual credit | $3,200/year | |
NJ HEAR will be administered through the NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) via TRC Energy Solutions, which runs the NJ Clean Energy Program. Expected timeline: statewide launch summer-fall 2026, pending BPU finalization.
| Measure | LMI (<80% AMI) | Moderate (80–150% AMI) | Above 150% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump HVAC | Up to $8,000 | Up to $4,000 | Not eligible |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $1,750 | Up to $875 | Not eligible |
| Electric Stove / Induction | Up to $840 | Up to $420 | Not eligible |
| Electric Dryer | Up to $840 | Up to $420 | Not eligible |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | Up to $4,000 | Up to $2,000 | Not eligible |
| Insulation & Air Sealing | Up to $1,600 | Up to $800 | Not eligible |
| Household cap | $14,000 LMI / $7,000 Moderate | ||
NJ uses area-based AMI by county. The metro areas near New York and Philadelphia have significantly higher AMI than southern and rural counties:
| County Area | 80% AMI (4-person HH) | 150% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| Bergen, Passaic, Hudson (NYC metro) | ~$95,000 | ~$178,000 |
| Morris, Somerset, Hunterdon | ~$101,000 | ~$190,000 |
| Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean | ~$88,000 | ~$165,000 |
| Mercer, Burlington, Camden | ~$82,000 | ~$154,000 |
| Atlantic, Cape May | ~$73,000 | ~$137,000 |
| Cumberland, Salem | ~$69,000 | ~$129,000 |
Verify at huduser.gov. Morris and Somerset Counties rank among the highest AMI in the Northeast — the moderate-income HEAR tier would be accessible to many households in these areas.
With $91.3M allocated, NJ HEAR will be one of the largest programs in the Northeast. The IRA Practitioner Brief will cover contractor enrollment requirements, the pilot-to-statewide transition, and program details as they're finalized.