kilowatt-hours of electricity
Montclair Public Library
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Turning the page to a more comfortable community space.
Discover how Montclair Public Library improved comfort with energy efficiency upgrades and support from the PSE&G business solutions portfolio.
Montclair Public Library has been the heartbeat of Montclair Township for the entire community since it opened in 1956. But the mechanical systems in the sprawling, three-story, 55,000-square-foot main building had gone untouched since the late ’90s.
By the late 2010s, the library’s aging HVAC systems could no longer keep up. Chiller leaks were routinely patched and temporary boiler fixes were rigged just to keep the building open during the hottest months. During the unprecedented heatwave in August 2024, temperatures inside the library spiked into the 90s, forcing staff to move the children’s story hours and pop-up computer labs outdoors under tents.
“The building simply couldn’t keep cool, and we had to close the children’s room many times,” said library director Radwa Ali. “But summer 2024 was the first time the entire building became unbearable.”
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The improvements made to the Montclair Public Library let it remain a vital and dependable space for its over 185,000 annual visitors.
Additional closures would be unavoidable during the summer months unless urgent repairs could be made. This urgency accelerated efforts to identify long-term solutions for the library’s aging infrastructure. In early 2025, the township council approved a separate bond ordinance to support broader infrastructure upgrades, including new windows, roof replacements, and plumbing overhauls. In parallel, the library moved forward with energy efficiency improvements through our comprehensive suite of offerings.
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Montclair Public Library enrolled in three energy efficiency programs under our business solutions portfolio—Direct Install, Advanced Custom, and Energy Management. Working in partnership with the library, we developed a tailored package of solutions to help modernize outdated systems, improve building comfort, and support the library’s sustainability goals.
An audit was conducted to evaluate longer-term energy efficiency upgrades throughout the building. The audit identified a range of planned improvements, including variable frequency drive pumps, modern air-handling units, retrofitted variable air volume (VAV) boxes for room-by-room airflow control, digital controls, smart thermostats, retrofit controls, and smartphone-accessible remote monitoring systems. Tri-State Light & Energy, a PSE&G implementation partner, is managing the coordination of these measures, while their subcontractor, Sander Mechanical, performs all mechanical installations using in-house union employees.
In May 2025, the library was able to begin essential upgrades that addressed the building’s most pressing climate control challenges. Crews replaced the aging chiller and two antiquated boilers with whisper-quiet, high-efficiency units that now cool the library, ensuring a more comfortable environment during peak summer months, while also helping prevent any future shutdowns during extreme heat. Additional work identified through the Advanced Custom and Energy Management programs is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.
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At PSE&G, we understand that every organization operates differently, and we're proud to offer flexible energy efficiency solutions that help our customers improve building performance and reduce costs," said Rachael Fredericks, director of Energy Services at PSE&G. "For Montclair Public Library, we delivered a comprehensive package that supports their long-term energy goals while enhancing comfort for staff and visitors alike."
For director Ali and her team, the impact is clear. “It’s no longer a guessing game. We open every morning knowing our building will be comfortable and efficient.”
Today, the Montclair Public Library stands not just as a community hub for learning, gathering, and connection—but as a model of thoughtful investment and smart partnerships. These upgrades have strengthened the library’s ability to serve the community with great reliability and confidence. It’s a testament to what collaboration, strategic investment, and long-term planning can achieve for public institutions.
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Proposed upgrades are projected to save:
~2.85 million
176,500
therms of natural gas (estimated lifetime)*
>$125,000
projected annual energy cost savings
* One therm is equal to 100,000 British thermal units (Btu), which is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
This case study is also available for download as a PDF.
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Inspired by these results?
Connect with an energy adviser through the program pages below.
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Direct Install Program
The PSE&G Direct Install Program delivers energy-efficient equipment upgrades for small to midsize businesses, allowing smaller facilities to benefit from energy efficiency opportunities that reduce energy consumption and save money.
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Energy Management Program
The PSE&G Energy Management Program is designed to help businesses find efficiencies and reduce energy consumption by improving the performance of existing equipment.
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Engineered Solutions Tier 2 (Advanced Custom) Program
When you have a large energy efficiency project, it will often require more than upgrading just one piece of equipment. The Engineered Solutions Tier 2 (Advanced Custom) Program offers tailored solutions to help minimize your costs for systemic upgrades that require extra customization.
PSE&G programs are subject to change, including termination, without prior notice.