As part of the effort to help with the recovery from Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey is offering increased rebates to replace storm-damaged equipment and appliances.

Board of Public Utilities Commissioner Joseph Fiordaliso says additional rebates averaging $200 are being offered to people who replace damaged furnaces, water heaters, and other equipment with energy efficient models.

 “So it’s really a win-win situation. Helping people get back on their feet and getting units that are going to use less energy.”

Fiordaliso says increased rebates are also being offered to business that replace Sandy-damaged equipment with high efficiency units.

 “Down the shore area an awful lot of businesses, eateries, and things of that sort were heavily damaged. So there will be incentives for food holding cabinets as an example, ovens for commercial use, steam cookers.”

Money for the rebates comes from the state’s Clean Energy Program.

 “There is a little over $45 million that’s available between now and the end of June which is the end of our energy year, and my hope as an individual commissioner is that we would have additional money available after July 1st."

Applicants must be located within zip codes designated as storm damaged areas and complete an affidavit that the losses occurred because of Sandy.

More infomation about the rebates is available at www.NJCleanEnergy.com or by calling 866-NJSMART.