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Board hears plan to replace aging HVAC and boilers using utility 'direct install' rebates
Summary
DCO Energy presented a direct‑install proposal using JCP&L utility rebates to replace HVAC units and boilers districtwide; the board authorized staff to enter the rebate application queue, citing an urgent July 1 rebate‑rule window and an estimated $6.8 million scope with roughly $1.3 million in utility rebates.
At the June 17 meeting, the Colts Neck Township School District heard a detailed presentation from Greg Burns of DCO Energy on a districtwide HVAC and boiler replacement plan that would use a utility‑administered direct‑install rebate program. The board authorized administration to submit applications to the utility rebate portal to lock in current rebate terms.
Burns said the program is available for districts whose peak demand meets program thresholds and is funded in part by customers’ societal‑benefit charges. "This is a really awesome way to get additional rebate dollars," Burns said, explaining that the district already captured roughly $530,000 through a prior energy savings improvement program (ESIP) and that the direct‑install phase would target remaining aging units.
DCO presented preliminary site estimates: about $1.8 million in project scope for the Crest site (with roughly $530,000 in rebates) and a broader district estimate of about $6.8 million with an estimated $1.3 million in rebates. Burns said financing through the utility program can be structured at 0% interest over five years; the projected energy and operational savings were presented conservatively at roughly 5–10% of current utility spend districtwide.
Board members pressed on details including whether the program permits planning for future building expansions, the salvage or secondary‑market value of removed equipment and procurement details. Burns said the direct‑install option is primarily for like‑for‑like replacements rather than new‑construction planning, and that the utility (JCP&L) would be the contracting vehicle under an approved tariff that provides a public‑procurement exemption for participating districts.
Facilities director Nick Moretta and several board members urged moving quickly to enter the rebate queue because utility rebate structures could change as of July 1. The board later approved the buildings‑and‑grounds agenda items that included authorization to submit direct‑install applications so the district can finalize proposals and return for final approval of project numbers.
If authorized and financed through the program, DCO projected installations could be substantially complete by September 2027, with warranty coverage and an updated energy management system to help operations be proactive rather than reactive.
