Energy Upgrade California

Energy Upgrade California is a statewide program that saves homeowners money, reduces energy use and sustains local green jobs. The program is an unprecedented collaboration between the California Energy Commission, the California Public Utilities Commission, utilities and local governments. 

Whole House Approach
Energy Upgrade California utilizes a “whole house” approach to energy efficiency. A home is most energy efficient when systems such as heating or air conditioning and structural features such as windows, ducts and insulation — work together as a whole system. Taking a whole house approach can help homeowners:

  • use less energy and water
  • lower monthly bills
  • improve home comfort
  • improve indoor air quality
  • increase home value
  • reduce impact on the environment

EnergyUpgradeCA.org: A one-stop-shop
Homeowners can get started with their energy upgrade by visiting www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org. At this one-stop-shop, homeowners can find information about available rebates, incentives and financing options for home improvements and choose a Participating Contractor to begin their energy upgrade.

Rebates and Incentives:
Energy Upgrade California offers homeowners two rebate pathways: the Basic Upgrade Package and the Advanced Upgrade Package.

  • The Basic Package provides a rebate of up to $1,000 for installing seven required measures that are designed to improve the energy efficiency of the average home by 10 percent. 
  • The Advanced Package gives homeowners flexibility by allowing them to choose a customized solution that improves the energy efficiency of their home by 15-40 percent. This pathway begins with a diagnostic assessment of current home conditions and systems to identify energy upgrade opportunities. Homeowners can receive rebate of up to $4,000 based on the actual energy savings achieved.  
  • Many cities and counties are offering additional local rebates. Homeowners can find these incentives at www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org.

Participating Contractors
Energy Upgrade California enlists local Participating Contractors across the state. Homeowners must use one of these contractors to complete their energy upgrade.  A list of Participating Contractors can be found at www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org.  All Participating Contractors:

  • have a valid California contractor’s license
  • are bonded and insured
  • hold a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst certification
  • have completed additional program training through the utilities

Program Progress through August 2011

  • Received over 187,000 web visits and 1 million unique page views for www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org
  • Completed 1,615 energy upgrades, achieving an average efficiency increase of 28%
  • Reduced 199,286 pounds of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions
  • Saved 32,509,950,000 BTUs of energy
  • Trained 78 building professionals in BPI--‐BA or HERS II through the subsidized contractor training program
  • Registered 467 building professionals on the www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org webportal

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