Incentives & Savings A category from your Ciel audit report
Zero percent financing may be the most under marketed benefit in home improvement.
New Jersey's utility programs will finance up to $25,000 of qualifying home energy upgrades at 0% interest, repaid through your regular utility bill, with no bank and no origination fees. Most homeowners have never heard of it. Here is how it works.
On bill repayment: the Whole Home program's quiet superpower
When your project qualifies for the Whole Home Energy Solutions program, whatever cost remains after your rebate can be financed through your utility's on bill repayment program:
- 0% interest. No interest charges, no origination fees, no hidden costs.
- Up to $25,000 per household for Whole Home projects.
- Qualification that starts with your utility bill. With PSE&G, on bill repayment is based on roughly 12 months of on time utility payment history rather than a credit inquiry, and newer customers can typically substitute a letter of credit from a prior utility. Utilities that finance through a lending partner, such as JCP&L and Rockland Electric through NEIF, apply the lender's standard credit guidelines.
- 7 year term for smaller projects and a 10 year term for larger ones. Income qualified customers receive the 10 year term at any project size.
- One simple payment that appears on your regular monthly utility bill. No new account, no separate lender.
Many homeowners find the energy savings from their upgrades offset a meaningful share of the monthly payment. Your audit report shows your projected numbers before you commit to anything.
Going electric? The financing gets bigger.
PSE&G customers replacing fossil fuel heating with high efficiency heat pumps can finance through the Building Decarbonization program at 0% as well: up to $50,000 for a standalone heat pump project, and up to $75,000 when Building Decarbonization and Whole Home work are combined on the same project.
JCP&L customers have a parallel path: the Clean Comfort program offers 0% APR fixed rate loans of $2,500 to $25,000 through a finance partner for qualified applicants, net of the program rebate. Rockland Electric customers have a similar finance partner structure through their utility's program.
Why this changes the math
Home improvement financing usually means a home equity line, a contractor loan at double digit rates, or a credit card. Utility program financing removes the interest entirely, so every dollar you pay goes toward the work itself. Combined with a cash back rebate of up to $7,500, it is often the difference between postponing a project and completing it this season.
The first step is the same as always: a home energy audit that models your home, calculates your projected savings and rebate, and lays out your exact financing options in writing.
Schedule your $99 home energy audit
Financing availability and terms depend on your utility, your project, and program rules in effect at enrollment. Current program terms run through June 30, 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is 0% financing really 0%?
Yes. The on bill repayment program charges no interest and no origination fees. You repay exactly what you financed, in equal monthly installments on your regular utility bill.
Will applying affect my credit score?
With PSE&G's on bill repayment, qualification is based on roughly 12 months of on time payment history with your utility rather than a credit inquiry. Utilities that finance through a lending partner, such as JCP&L and Rockland Electric, apply the lender's standard credit guidelines.
What if I am new to my utility?
If you do not yet have 12 months of payment history, a letter of credit from your prior utility can typically be used instead.
What happens if I sell my home?
On bill repayment is tied to your utility account. If the account closes, the remaining balance generally becomes due, typically within about 30 days. Your energy advisor can walk you through the details before you enroll.
How long are the repayment terms?
For Whole Home projects, smaller projects repay over 7 years and larger projects over 10 years. Income qualified customers receive the 10 year term at any project size.
Can I finance more than $25,000?
For PSE&G customers combining a Whole Home project with Building Decarbonization heat pump work, combined on bill financing can reach $75,000. Standalone Building Decarbonization projects can finance up to $50,000.
Do all New Jersey utilities offer 0% financing?
All seven regional utilities participate in Whole Home Energy Solutions with 0% financing. The structure varies: PSE&G uses on bill repayment, while JCP&L's heat pump program offers 0% APR loans of $2,500 to $25,000 through a finance partner. Your audit report identifies the exact option for your utility.