The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is developing new rules that will prohibit the installation of electric resistance heating equipment in new residential construction in New Jersey. The Department of Community Affairs would enforce the ban through denial of a construction permit.
http://www.nema.org/stds/fieldreps/codealerts/20051024nj.cfm

IMHO, I do NOT think this measure will pass.

NJ's electrical needs will continue to soar - with or without electric heat. The rate at which homes are being built is the root cause. Granted, elec. heat can cause the demand on a condo unit to be 150A (instead of 100A), and while that is a significant increase at 120/240V - is it really that significant at 150KV?

NJ will NEED more generating plants.

Just my 0.02¢

The first thing that came to my mind was electric baseboard -- I don't know why anyone would want to use that given NJ's utility prices but ok.

As I think about it there can be electric strip heaters in heat pump units. How about space heaters like you'd find in a bathroom? Some people also use smaller electric heaters for areas that need supplemental heat like a foyer or mud room.

Ron,

As an AHJ here in NJ that is news to me. I know that we have that energy code in this state that was started awhile back. I would have to back into the energy code to see if it applies to electric heaters.

Harold,
See the link. It's new legislation.

Ron:
Thanks for the heads-up. As Harold said, "it's news to me" also.

I have it printing now, and e-mailed the link to a few friends.

Personally, I can't recall the last 'all electric' house I saw. I'll read the info ASAP.

Thanks

John

... This is simply preposterous!!! What are they gonna ban next,...incandescent light bulbs,because they're not as efficient as fluorescent?? This is insane...what about areas in NJ that can't get gas for heating,.. I know of a cul-de-sac in Bergen County where there is NO gas,and EVERYTHING is electric.. Looks like they're lobbying for a pay-off.. Someone's palm is gonna get greased... Graft,..it's a way of life I guess Disgusted,
Russ

It would seem that it was lobbying by the oil or propane industry?
I have no idea, but just a guess.
That's how selectivity became a requirement in Article 700 and 701 loads, the Bussmann folks knew this was a slam dunk for their product type.

That's pretty much what's been done here in CA, so I wouldn't be too surprised.

There are some watt/inc for watt/fluor allowances, but that's about it. Expext table lamps to become very popular

What will stop people just getting the house permitted and built, then going back and adding the electric heat afterward?