Looking to Power Profits? Learn How South Jersey Businesses Are Financing Energy Efficiency

By Maxwell Sparks

Energy costs can be a big operating expense on your business’s bottom line. But what if you could cut those costs significantly and finance equipment upgrades without straining your cash flow? Across South Jersey, more businesses are discovering that energy efficiency isn’t just eco-friendly, it’s financially smart.

Click the tabs below to explore incentives, low- to no-cost financing options, and stackable benefits that make upgrades more affordable than ever.

How Utility Incentives Are Fueling Efficiency

Atlantic City Electric’s Energy Solutions for Business program incentives cover on average between 30% and 85% of the cost for energy-efficient upgrades, including lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and more. Through programs like our Direct Install offering, a contractor does the work, and you only pay your share, with no repayment required for the incentive portion. It’s an easy way to modernize your building and cut monthly energy costs.

Have a more complex project or equipment you’re looking to upgrade? Maybe you’re unsure of exactly where energy-saving improvements can be made to meet your facility’s specific needs? Our Prescriptive and Custom program has you covered, with incentives on a broad assortment of energy-efficient electric equipment and technologies as well as expert help on developing a project plan tailored to you.

Financing That Works for Business

Rebates can cover a big portion of your upgrade costs, but what about the rest? That’s where New Jersey’s flexible financing options help close the gap.

Atlantic City Electric offers zero-percent financing and on-bill repayment to make upgrades even more affordable. You can finance the remaining project cost directly through your electric bill—no separate loan, no added interest. Monthly payments are offset by your energy savings, keeping improvements budget-friendly over time.

The National Energy Improvement Fund (NEIF) offers financing to qualified commercial, nonprofit, municipal, and multifamily customers.

For larger or more complex projects, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority offers below-market loans through programs like New Jersey Clean Energy Loans. Rates can be up to 3% lower than your lender’s financing costs, with terms up to 25 years. These are ideal for businesses with internal support or access to consultants, though any business can take advantage with the right planning.

Another option is Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy financing, which can cover up to 100% of the cost for upgrades like HVAC, solar, or weatherproofing. You can repay the loan through a special property tax or utility bill assessment, which stays with the building if you sell. Your loan’s terms can extend up to 30 years, based on the equipment’s lifespan.

Atlantic City Electric also offers local technical support and on-bill financing options tailored to small and mid-sized businesses.

Stack the Deck in Your Favor

What makes our approach especially powerful is how stackable the benefits are. You can combine:

Atlantic City Electric rebates
State loans or on-bill financing
Federal tax incentives, like the 179D deduction (available through June 30, 2026)

The 179D incentive provides up to $5.81 per square foot for projects meeting energy and labor standards. Due to the complexity of this incentive, consult a tax professional to determine eligibility.

Example

A small office spends $40,000 on lighting upgrades. An 80% rebate (due to eligibility) from Atlantic City Electric’s Building Tune-Up program covers $32,000, leaving an $8,000 balance. With 0% financing over two years, the business pays just $333/month. If the building is over 10,000 square feet, the 179D tax deduction could be worth $5,800, almost eliminating the out-of-pocket cost.

Why It All Adds Up

Energy efficiency creates room for growth, not just savings. Lower energy use can free up your budget for hiring, marketing, or expansion. And with New Jersey’s financing tools, you can upgrade without slowing down your business. If you’re considering a project, the key is matching your building type and goals to the right mix of rebates and financing.

Ready to see what’s possible for your business? Contact us at Energy Savings for Business today.