State Programs Assist in Transitioning to Sustainable California Living
Get ready to be boggled by acronyms (BBA)!
California’s Department of Community Services and Development (CSD)
CSD’s goal is to reduce poverty by administering energy efficiency and renewable energy programs through local providers. These programs aim to increase economic security, meet home energy requirements, and reduce utility costs for low-income Californians.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Programs (LIHEAP) is a federally funded state administered program that assists eligible households in meeting energy costs and home heating and cooling needs. .
The Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) “is the only program of its kind in California that focuses exclusively on serving low-income households with solar PV (solar panels) and energy efficiency upgrades at no cost. The program reduces greenhouse gas emissions and household energy costs by saving energy and generating clean renewable power.”
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
In our area, these programs are implemented by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) under the auspices of the CPUC.
(If you qualify for CARE, this program is awesome!)
The Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) is a local program for Californians who meet the California Alternative Rates for Energy Program (CARE) income guidelines.
The ESA provides no-cost weatherization, including
Energy-efficient refrigerators
Energy-efficient furnaces
Weatherstripping
Caulking
Low-flow shower heads
Water heater blankets
Door and building envelope repairs which reduce air infiltration.
In Shasta County, the local provider for the ESA is Self-Help Home Improvement Project, Inc.
There is no California state solar tax credit. (See the federal Clean Energy Tax Credit.) However, PG&E solar customers can earn a credit for excess energy sent to the electrical grid. The credit reduces the cost of the household electricity. The terms of this credit will change on April 13, reducing the amount for new solar customers. PG&E customers can still qualify for the higher pay-back rate if they sign with a contractor and get a permit issued for a solar installation before April 13. Also, under the Self-Generation Incentive Program, any PG&E customer can apply to receive a rebate when they install battery storage systems. (Keep reading!)
In addition, The Self-Generation Incentive Program – Equity Resiliency Budget (SGIP-ERB) under the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has authorized more than $1 billion through 2024 for incentives that cover equipment and installation of energy storage for “customers who live in Tier II or Tier III High Fire Threat Districts (See map at this link.) or have had two or more Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events and require electricity for medical, health and safety.” The program also provides incentives related to income level. Start this process by contacting an installer. If there is a time lag between installation and reimbursement, homeowners may access the Golden State Finance Authority’s (GSFA) Advance Rebate Payment Program (ARP). This program provides bridge funding or ARP funds to the developer of the project on behalf of the homeowner for SGIP-ERB approved projects.
California Air Resources Board (CARB)
The California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) is sponsored by the California Air Resources Board and administered by the Center for Sustainable Energy. The program provides rebates for the lease or purchase of new, eligible zero-emission vehicles, including electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles. In order to participate in the program, you must meet some income requirements and submit an application before funds are exhausted and within 90 calendar days of acquiring the vehicle. Rebate amounts as of February 28,2023, are $7,500 for a new fuel cell vehicle, $7,500 for a new electric vehicle, and $6,500 for a new plug-in hybrid. For general information regarding zero-emission vehicles visit EV101 (Cute, huh?) at https://cleanvehiclerebate.org/en . (Note: there is no income requirement for fuel cell vehicles; however, neither are these vehicles available in our area at this time.)