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Committee releases smart‑thermostat mandate for new homes amid split testimony
Summary
S-2556 would require installation of smart (Wi‑Fi) thermostats in newly constructed residential buildings. Backers cited energy savings and grid benefits; builders and apartment representatives warned about code conflicts, retrofit feasibility in some multifamily systems, cost and consumer control; the committee released the bill after a split roll‑call.
The Senate Energy and Environment Committee on Feb. 10 released S-2556, a measure requiring smart thermostats in new residential construction. Supporters argued smart thermostats increase adoption of programmable schedules, reduce energy consumption, and can help smooth electric loads; the BPU and Environment New Jersey cited estimated energy and monetary savings.
Opponents — including the New Jersey Builders Association, New Jersey Apartment Association and fuel merchants — urged that the requirement belongs in the uniform construction code process, warned of technical incompatibilities with certain heating systems (PTAC and multifamily systems), and expressed concerns about upfront costs and loss of consumer control when thermostats are paired with utility programs. Testimony also raised privacy and program-control concerns based on prior utility-controlled incentive programs in other states.
Committee members discussed potential grandfathering language and code‑process alignment but did not adopt amendments at the hearing. Roll-call votes recorded dissenting votes from some members; the chair announced the bill was released and will proceed to appropriations and subsequent steps.
