Energy Upgrade California

December 17, 2020

Summary

The Energy Upgrade California program serves as a one-stop shop for California homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. The program connects homeowners with qualified contractors, and helps homeowners find all the available incentives from their local utilities and local governments. The program is available statewide and is managed locally by utilities and regional energy networks. 

To participate in the program, interested California homeowners should go to the website listed above and select an eligible contractor. The contractor will work with the homeowner to determine which improvements are best for the home and help fill out necessary paperwork to apply for rebates. There are two Upgrade options a homeowner can choose from: the Basic Home Upgrade Package and the Advanced Home Upgrade Package.

Basic Upgrade Package

The Basic Upgrade focuses on the building shell to maintain a comfortable indoor environment in the home. The program offers up to $3,000 in rebates for eligible energy improvements. A participating contractor will implement improvements as needed and help apply for the rebate on behalf of the homeowner. The upgrades include attic, wall, and floor insulation, duct sealing, AC and furnace replacement and window replacements, and others. 

Advanced Upgrade Package

The Advanced Upgrade Package offers greater incentives for a wider variety of energy improvements. The program offers up to $6,500 in rebates for eligible improvements that include all the measures included in basic home upgrade package as well as additional measures for lighting, water heating systems, roof, and other customized upgrades. 

This Program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program.  The DOE has awarded over $500 million in federal funds to more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types. Combined, these local programs are expected to improve the efficiency of more than 170,000 buildings through 2013 and save up to $65 million in energy costs annually.