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Energy Upgrade California™
Energy Upgrade California™ is a state initiative to help Californians take action to save energy and conserve natural resources, help reduce demand on the electricity grid, and make informed energy management choices at home and at work.
Whole-House Approach to Energy Efficiency
Energy Upgrade California™ focuses on the "house as a system", or "whole house", approach to energy efficiency. This approach views the various design elements and energy systems of your home (such as your windows, insulation, furnace, and air ducts) as working interdependently, and takes into consideration building occupants, site location, and the local climate when working to maximize your efficiency.
Energy Upgrade California™ focuses on the "house as a system", or "whole house", approach to energy efficiency. This approach views the various design elements and energy systems of your home (such as your windows, insulation, furnace, and air ducts) as working interdependently, and takes into consideration building occupants, site location, and the local climate when working to maximize your efficiency.
Home Upgrade Program
Energy Upgrade California™ has put together the Home Upgrade program to provide assistance and incentives for home improvement projects that can reduce energy use and make homes more comfortable. A Home Upgrade bundles several home improvements in one professional upgrade for maximum savings, and offers incentives of up to $4,500 to assist with project costs.
Energy Upgrade California™ has put together the Home Upgrade program to provide assistance and incentives for home improvement projects that can reduce energy use and make homes more comfortable. A Home Upgrade bundles several home improvements in one professional upgrade for maximum savings, and offers incentives of up to $4,500 to assist with project costs.
Types of Upgrade Projects
There are two options for homes under Energy Upgrade California™ - a Home Upgrade or an Advanced Home Upgrade. A Home Upgrade is a simpler option requiring the completion of at least three qualifying measures (including at least one base measure) in order to receive a rebate. An Advanced Home Upgrade, on the other hand, uses special software to model your home and calculate your projected energy savings. The calculated energy reduction from your project determines how much you’ll receive in rebates.
Measures in your upgrade package might include:
- Duct insulation/sealing
- Whole building air sealing
- Attic, wall, and floor insulation/sealing
- Furnace, AC, water heater, or refrigerator replacement
- Lighting upgrades
Rebate levels in the Bay Area currently range as follows:
- $1,000 to $3,150 for a Home Upgrade
- $1,000 to $4,500* for an Advanced Home Upgrade, plus a $300 Assessment Incentive**
*A higher incentive of up to $6,500 is available beginning August 1, 2014 for significant energy savings.
Home Upgrade Advisor
The Home Upgrade Advisor is a free and independent resource offered to both homeowners and contractors interested in exploring their options for a Home Upgrade or Advanced Home Upgrade. Through phone- and field-based advising, Home Upgrade Advisor energy efficiency professionals provide individualized and ongoing assistance regarding relevant programs, energy efficiency benefits, contractor selection, assessment report and bid review, financing options, upgrade project support, and customer service.
How is Energy Upgrade California™ Supported?
Energy Upgrade California™ is supported by an alliance of the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, utilities, regional energy networks, local governments, businesses, and nonprofits to help communities meet state and local energy and climate action goals. Funding comes from investor-owned utility customers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) administers the Home Upgrade Program for the 9 Bay Area County region.
Energy Upgrade California™ is supported by an alliance of the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Energy Commission, utilities, regional energy networks, local governments, businesses, and nonprofits to help communities meet state and local energy and climate action goals. Funding comes from investor-owned utility customers under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) administers the Home Upgrade Program for the 9 Bay Area County region.