Funded Energy Programs for California Homeowners
Funded Energy Programs for California Homeowners
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Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program
- Provider: PG&E
- Description: Free home energy assessments and upgrades (e.g., heat pump water heaters, furnaces, lighting, refrigerators, insulation) to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and safety.
- Eligibility: Income-qualified homeowners/renters in homes at least 5 years old. Must meet income guidelines (valid through May 31, 2026).
- Funding Source: California utility ratepayer funds, administered by PG&E under CPUC.
- Residential/Commercial: Residential
- Source: PG&E Website
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Multifamily Energy Savings Program
- Provider: PG&E
- Description: Comprehensive energy efficiency and weatherization measures for multifamily properties, including free upgrades for income-qualified tenants and property owners.
- Eligibility: Income-qualified deed-restricted/non-deed restricted multifamily property owners and tenants.
- Funding Source: California utility ratepayer funds, administered by PG&E under CPUC.
- Residential/Commercial: Residential (Multifamily)
- Source: PG&E Website
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Home Energy Savings Program
- Provider: MCE Clean Energy
- Description: Free home energy assessments, upgrades (e.g., attic insulation, duct sealing, smart thermostats), and energy-saving gifts for qualifying single-family homes.
- Eligibility: Income-qualified homeowners/renters in MCE service areas (e.g., Hercules, Fairfield).
- Funding Source: State, federal, and utility funds (MCE).
- Residential/Commercial: Residential
- Source: MCE Website
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Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Provider: Community Action Marin, Sacred Heart, Contra Costa County
- Description: Federally funded program providing cash grants for utility bill payments, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs.
- Eligibility: Low-income homeowners/renters meeting federal income guidelines.
- Funding Source: Federal funds (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
- Residential/Commercial: Residential
- Source: Benefits.gov
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Disadvantaged Communities Single-family Solar Homes (DAC-SASH)
- Provider: GRID Alternatives
- Description: No-cost rooftop solar installations for income-qualified homeowners in disadvantaged communities.
- Eligibility: Homeowners meeting CARE/FERA income requirements, living in designated disadvantaged communities, served by PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E.
- Funding Source: State and federal funds, administered by GRID Alternatives.
- Residential/Commercial: Residential
- Source: GRID Alternatives Website
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Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff (DAC-GT)
- Provider: PG&E, SCE, SDG&E
- Description: Provides 100% clean energy with a 20% bill discount for income-qualified residents unable to install rooftop solar (e.g., renters).
- Eligibility: Income-qualified residents in disadvantaged communities meeting CARE/FERA eligibility.
- Funding Source: State utility programs, CPUC-funded.
- Residential/Commercial: Residential
- Source: CPUC Website
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Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Provider: U.S. Department of Energy (via state agencies)
- Description: Free home energy assessments and upgrades to lower energy costs and improve health/safety (e.g., weather stripping, insulation).
- Eligibility: Low-income homeowners/renters meeting federal income guidelines. Contact state WAP office to apply.
- Funding Source: Federal funds (DOE).
- Residential/Commercial: Residential
- Source: DOE Website
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Energy for All Program
- Provider: GRID Alternatives (Richmond, CA)
- Description: No-cost rooftop solar installations for low-income homeowners in high fire threat areas or pollution-affected communities.
- Eligibility: Income-qualified homeowners in specific tribal or pollution-affected communities.
- Funding Source: State, City of Richmond, MCE, federal tax credits, donations.
- Residential/Commercial: Residential
- Source: GRID Alternatives Website
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Equitable Building Decarbonization Program
- Provider: BayREN (expected launch 2025)
- Description: No-cost energy efficiency and electrification retrofits for low-income households and tribal-owned residential buildings.
- Eligibility: Low-income homeowners in Bay Area, California Native American tribes, or tribal members.
- Funding Source: State and federal funds (pending launch).
- Residential/Commercial: Residential
- Source: BayREN Website
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Simplified Savings Program
- Provider: PG&E
- Description: No-cost or reduced-cost facility assessments and energy efficiency upgrades for small businesses, including those in disadvantaged communities.
- Eligibility: Small businesses, including those in disadvantaged communities. Income-qualified homeowners may benefit indirectly if renting commercial spaces.
- Funding Source: California utility ratepayer funds, administered by PG&E under CPUC.
- Residential/Commercial: Commercial (with residential overlap)
- Source: PG&E Website
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Government K-12 (GK12) Energy Efficiency Program
- Provider: PG&E (implemented by Willdan)
- Description: Supports energy efficiency upgrades for public sector buildings, including schools, which may indirectly benefit homeowners via community energy savings.
- Eligibility: Local government, educational, and federal agencies (K-12 schools).
- Funding Source: California ratepayer funds, administered by PG&E under CPUC.
- Residential/Commercial: Commercial (public sector)
- Source: PG&E Website
Notes:
- PG&E Jump Program: No specific program named "PG&E Jump Program" was identified. It’s possible you meant the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program or another PG&E initiative. Please provide more details for a refined search.
- Eligibility: Most programs target low-income households with specific income thresholds (e.g., CARE/FERA, federal poverty levels). Homeowners and renters are often eligible, though some programs (e.g., DAC-SASH) prioritize homeowners.
- Commercial Programs: Included where they overlap with residential benefits (e.g., Simplified Savings for small businesses in residential areas).
- Funding: Programs are funded by federal sources (e.g., DOE, Inflation Reduction Act) or state utility ratepayer funds under the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
- Verification: Verify eligibility with providers (e.g., PG&E at 1-800-933-9555, GRID Alternatives at 866-921-4696). Be cautious of scams claiming "free government money".
- Availability: Some programs (e.g., HEEHRA Phase I) have fully allocated budgets as of December 2024. Others, like the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program, are pending launch in 2025.