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Jan 03, 2024

Fuel Merchants want Murphy to follow Maine's lead on boiler replacement

Two New England gubernatorial candidates agree to energy choice By David

Two New England gubernatorial candidates agree to energy choice

By David Wildstein, October 03 2022 10:53 am

In their bid to slow down Gov. Phil Murphy's bid mandate the conversion of large gas boilers to electric, the New Jersey Fuel Merchants Association is pointing to a pledge for energy choice made by both candidates for governor of Maine.

In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills faces Republican Paul LePage, who left office four years ago after serving two terms as governor of Maine.

"The increasing cost of energy is on everyone's mind these days, so it's no surprise," said Eric DeGesaro, the association vice president.

The fuel merchants and other business and labor oppose a new regulation set to take effect in December that would require buildings with large boilers to convert to electricity next time a replacement is needed. For many schools — about 1,500 across the state — the cost could be around $2 million.

Legislation that would hold off the December deadline until the State Senate and Assembly has a chance to analyze costs is pending.