South Jersey Gas — in an effort to increase energy efficiency — announced Wednesday that it will offer customers a free Google Nest smart thermostat through a new initiative to help customers.
The thermostats will be distributed while supplies last through the promotion, which ends Sept. 13.
South Jersey Gas customers can choose to receive a free Google Nest Thermostat E or get a discounted Google Nest Learning Thermostat for just $49, after applicable rebates, when they shop on the South Jersey Gas Marketplace. Tax and shipping fees still apply.
Deborah Franco, vice president, clean energy and sustainability, said both of the devices available through the program are latest-generation smart thermostats that customers can control from anywhere.
“We are committed to providing our customers with access to energy efficient solutions that enable them to use less energy, save money and manage their carbon footprint,” she said. “With our neighbors spending more time at home and colder weather on the horizon, we want to equip customers now with the tools they need to keep their winter heating bills low.”
South Jersey Gas said independent studies have shown that Google Nest thermostats saved people an average of 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling. Based on typical energy costs, customers can save an estimated average of $131 to $145 per year by using a Google Nest thermostat, the utility said.
The program is being coordinated through a partnership with Uplight, a company that works with more than 85 electric and gas utilities.
Jay Grinde, the chief customer officer at Uplight, said it is pleased to work with South Jersey Gas.
“Every day, our marketplaces connect customers with their utility to help them find the best ways to save energy,” he said.
South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of South Jersey Industries, has more than 400,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem and portions of Gloucester, Burlington and Camden counties.
