Planning a commercial LED lighting upgrade in New Jersey starts with the utility account serving the property. Available incentives depend on the program, existing equipment and proposed work. This guide explains where to begin for PSE&G, JCP&L and Atlantic City Electric customers, and what to prepare for a project review.
Program information reviewed in October 2026. Follow the official program links below for current requirements. New Jersey also maintains a directory of utility-run business energy-efficiency programs if your provider is not listed here.
Compare the main lighting incentive routes
| Utility | Starting point for a lighting project |
|---|---|
| PSE&G | Direct Install combines a facility assessment with incentives and potential on-bill repayment for remaining costs. |
| JCP&L | Compare Small Business Direct Install with the separate Energy Solutions for Business incentive routes. |
| Atlantic City Electric | Direct Install uses authorized Trade Allies to assess the site and propose eligible upgrades. |
PSE&G: Direct Install and project cost review
PSE&G’s Direct Install program supports eligible small and midsize business facilities, including lighting upgrades. It begins with a free on-site energy assessment and a cost estimate. The program describes coverage of upfront costs and potential interest-free on-bill repayment for costs that incentives do not cover.
For a lighting proposal, distinguish the incentive from any amount that must be repaid. An upfront payment arrangement does not by itself mean the entire installation is free. Have the utility account and facility information reviewed before choosing a program path.
JCP&L: Direct Install and other business incentive options
The JCP&L Small Business Direct Install program offers a turnkey approach that includes LED lighting. Its program page describes incentives of up to 70% or 80% of eligible installed measure costs, with the applicable amount determined by the project and program requirements.
JCP&L also has a separate Energy Solutions for Business program with prescriptive incentives and instant equipment discounts. Its official program FAQs explain the different application, verification and purchasing processes. Confirm which route applies before buying fixtures or scheduling installation; approval requirements and any exceptions depend on the route.
Atlantic City Electric: Direct Install through a Trade Ally
Atlantic City Electric’s Direct Install program includes lighting retrofits, sensors and controls. The program advertises incentives of up to 80% for eligible upgrades, including installation and labor, and starts with a no-cost on-site assessment through an authorized Trade Ally.
The assessment identifies recommended upgrades and provides cost estimates. Ask which equipment qualifies, what customer contribution remains and whether a separate public-sector route applies to your organization. Program participation requires an authorized Direct Install Trade Ally.
What to prepare for a commercial lighting review
If you are still deciding whether to arrange a walkthrough, use our guide to signs your commercial building needs a lighting upgrade to record the problems you want assessed.
- Utility information: Identify the electric provider and the account associated with the building. Have a recent bill available for follow-up.
- Property information: Record the site address, building use and approximate floor area. For multiple buildings, keep the accounts and site contacts separate.
- Existing lighting: Note fixture types, approximate quantities, operating hours and any current sensors or controls. Accessible photographs can help explain the layout.
- Project history: Mention earlier lighting upgrades, previous incentive applications and any equipment already purchased.
- Approval responsibilities: Identify the utility bill payer, property manager and person who can approve the work. Clarify responsibilities for leased spaces and shared areas.
- Installation access: Explain restricted areas, shift patterns and scheduling constraints that could affect the proposed work.
Our commercial lighting assessment checklist explains these preparation steps in more detail. A warehouse lighting project may need notes about racking and loading zones, while a managed-property lighting project may involve several accounts and approval contacts.
Questions business owners often ask
Does a utility incentive mean the installation is free?
No. Incentives can reduce eligible project costs without covering every expense. Review the equipment, installation scope, expected incentive, customer contribution and exclusions in the proposal. Sunshine Lighting Group’s no-cost LED lighting program applies to qualifying projects; a no-cost result is not guaranteed for every building.
Can a tenant request a lighting assessment?
You can start by discussing the space and your responsibilities. Explain who pays the utility bill, who owns or manages the fixtures and whose approval is needed. The account eligibility and permissions for the proposed project still need to be reviewed.
What if the building already has LED lighting?
Identify the existing equipment and what you want to improve. A change to fixtures, layouts or controls needs a specific review against the applicable program requirements. Existing LED lighting alone does not establish eligibility for another incentive.
Should I purchase fixtures before the program review?
Confirm the requirements for the specific incentive route first. Ask whether pre-approval is needed, which products qualify and what documentation the administrator requires. A purchase or completed installation can affect the available options.
Understand the proposal and keep the records together
Use our commercial LED lighting proposal comparison guide to review the scope, equipment, controls and payment assumptions before approving a project.
Before authorizing work, review the fixture and control schedule, installation scope, project cost and any customer contribution. Clarify who will coordinate the application, inspections and completion paperwork, and what still needs approval.
Keep the proposed scope, equipment information and project correspondence together. For multiple properties, organize the documents by address and utility account so the right records stay with each project.
Plan your New Jersey lighting upgrade
Sunshine Lighting Group helps commercial properties assess lighting needs and discuss utility-incentive eligibility. Read our project review process, then request a free lighting assessment or call 833-718-0099.
