NW Bergen News

Josh Gottheimer, a U.S. Congressman representing New Jersey’s 5th District, has announced several legislative initiatives aimed at addressing energy costs and efficiency. Through his social media posts on December 6, 2024, Gottheimer outlined three proposed acts designed to provide financial relief and encourage energy-saving practices among families.

In a tweet posted on December 6, 2024, Gottheimer stated that he is introducing the Know Your Rates Act. This legislation would require companies to notify customers if their energy usage exceeds their monthly average by the 10th and 20th day of the billing cycle. The aim is to assist families in managing their energy consumption proactively before they incur higher charges. "I’m also introducing the Know Your Rates Act. This requires companies to notify customers 10 & 20 days into a billing cycle if their energy usage rises above their monthly average — helping families before it’s too late."

Another proposal mentioned by Gottheimer is the Energy Costs Relief Act, introduced in a tweet on December 6, 2024. This act seeks to offer a refundable tax credit of up to $350 for residents dealing with increasing energy expenses. The intention is to alleviate financial burdens and return funds directly to Jersey families' budgets."Second, I am introducing the Energy Costs Relief Act, which will provide a refundable tax credit of up to $350 to help offset rising energy costs and put money directly back into the pocketbooks of hardworking Jersey families."

Additionally, Gottheimer announced plans for the Home Energy Assistance Tax Credit (HEAT) Act via another post on December 6, 2024. This act aims to double the maximum Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit from $2,000 to $4,000. It addresses cost barriers preventing households from acquiring heat pumps that could save them between $300-$650 annually."Heat pumps save households $300-$650 per year, but the cost to get one prevents too many from seeing these benefits.That’s why I am also introducing the Home Energy Assistance Tax Credit (HEAT) Act to double the maximum Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit to $4,000."