Project HelpLight NJ is an organization made up of high school students who raise money to purchase and distribute over 60,000 energy saving compact fluorescent lamps to needy families and seniors. In addition to the incredible volunteer work they have done in their own community, they have also headed out across NJ to inspire and engage other high school students, recruiting 19 schools to participate. This organization embodies the goals of the Energy Master Plan, spreads the important message of energy efficiency, provides New Jersey’s neediest families with the tools to save energy and money, and connects them with the state's assistance programs. Accepting the award, from left to right, BPU President Jeanne Fox, BPU Commissioner Joseph Fiordaliso, John Caddock, Paula Pilipovic, Matt Erickson, BPU Commissioner Elizabeth Randall, and BPU Commissioner Nicholas Asselta.

What began as an idea from three visionary high school students in 2007 has now become New Jersey Clean Energy’s Outreach Partner of the Year. HelpLight NJ was established to achieve two clear-cut goals: 1) to raise money for the purchase and distribution of energy-saving compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to the area’s neediest families and senior citizens and 2) to inspire other high school students to make a difference.

Budget-constrained seniors and low income families are the ones who stand to gain the most in converting from traditional, incandescent light bulbs to energy-and-cost-saving CFL bulbs, but they are also the least likely to make the switch due to the higher purchase price of the more energy efficient bulbs and concerns about exposure to mercury.

By teaming up with New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP), HelpLight NJ was able to distribute 60,000 CFLs in 2008 and an additional 80,000 in 2009. Each recipient was provided with six bulbs, which would save them $400 in energy costs.

But HelpLight NJ saw their job as more far-reaching than the simple delivery of CFL bulbs throughout the community. They created a comprehensive educational program by organizing meetings with groups of families and seniors residing in public housing throughout New Jersey to inform CFL bulb recipients about the technology, address mercury and recycling concerns, and educate the audience about additional initiatives available through NJCEP.

In addition to being recognized with an EPA ENERGY STAR Award and a Jefferson Award, HelpLight NJ has successfully accomplished both of its defining goals. To date, the 100% volunteer student-run organization has distributed more than 140,000 CFL bulbs and educated the state’s neediest families and seniors about the importance of energy conservation. The impact is dramatic, resulting in more than $9 million of savings on recipients’ energy bills and avoiding the release of over 166 million pounds of CO2.

Already, HelpLight NJ’s inspiring cause has motivated more New Jersey students with 19 partner schools now on board.

The NJ Board of Public Utilities congratulates HelpLight NJ, winner of the 2009 NJ Clean Energy Outreach Partner of the Year Leadership Award.