Translator Disclaimers
For Immediate Release: Contact: Alonza Robertson
Date: 11/19/2025 609.477.0281

TRENTON, N.J. – November 18, 2025 – The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), today announced that the $5 million Urban Heat Island (UHI) Mitigation Grant Program is officially open and accepting applications. The program, designed to help New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities combat extreme heat and rising energy costs, is accepting proposals until the final deadline of December 15, 2025.

To provide applicants with additional support, Sustainable Jersey, of the Sustainability Institute of The College of New Jersey and NJBPU are also announcing a series of informational Zoom drop-in sessions to assist municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and community groups.

“Extreme heat doesn't just threaten our health and safety—it drives energy costs up, hitting hardest in communities already facing intensified heat from the Urban Heat Island effect,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy. “The NJBPU has a fundamental responsibility to ensure reliable, affordable energy for all New Jerseyans, which means tackling the contributory causes of energy demand through programs like the UHI Mitigation Grant.”

Urban heat islands occur in cities and densely developed areas where concrete, pavement, and buildings retain heat and green spaces are limited, making these areas significantly hotter than nearby rural regions, especially during summer months. Cities such as Newark, Trenton, Camden, and Jersey City are among the Northeast’s most intense urban heat islands, often registering temperatures 5 degrees to 20 degrees hotter than surrounding areas. This phenomenon not only increases energy bills and health risks but also places additional stress on power grids.

Representatives from Sustainable Jersey, of the Sustainability Institute of The College of New Jersey and the BPU will be available to answer questions, review draft proposals, and provide technical assistance during these no-appointment-necessary sessions. Attendees are encouraged to bring project concepts, preliminary site information, and questions about the application process.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the UHI Mitigation Program, funded by the New Jersey Clean Energy Fund, provides grants in three categories:

●       Comprehensive UHI Interventions: Up to $1 million each for two major neighborhood revitalization projects, including expanded tree canopy, green infrastructure, cool pavements, smart-misting systems, and other cooling infrastructure.

●       Cooling the Built Environment: Up to $500,000 each for four upgrades to public buildings and cooling centers, with features like cool roofs, green roofs, geothermal heat pumps, and battery storage to create resilience hubs — especially vital for communities with a high percentage of renters.

●       Urban Micro-climate Interventions: Up to $50,000 each for 20 community-led projects such as shaded bus stops, community gardens, and water stations. All projects must be located on public land or in publicly accessible spaces.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted until the close of business on December 15, 2025. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Apply Now: The application portal is accessible at: [Urban Heat Island Mitigation Program | NJ OCE Web Site]

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)

NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate, and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and cable television. NJBPU oversees utility services, responds to consumer complaints, and investigates utility accidents. For more information, visit www.nj.gov/bpu.