NOTICE TO ALL PG&E CUSTOMERS

PG&E  is the local sponsor of a  long term rebate program called  Energy Upgrade California and is currently available to all PG&E customers in the State, with the exception of customers that use propane  instead of natural gas.  There are two separate parts, or “Paths” to this program.

The programs below apply to 1-4 unit single family dwellings.  Although multi-family and commercial buildings will be eligible very soon.
                           BASIC PATH.
You will need to contact a BPI Certified Company, such as Apperson Energy Managment, who will send a field representative to your home for a quick preliminary assessment. To qualify for this rebate:
  1. Attic insulation must be R-19 (6”) or less
  2. House and heating ducts must need “tightening up” for leakage
In addition, the program will “wrap” the first 5 feet of your hot water heater lines (this is generally the area exposed to temperature changes).

If you have a certified contractor complete these items, you are entitled to a $1,000 rebate. If your home is on the smaller side this may cover most of the cost. When the work is completed, the contractor will retest for safety and analyze the results.
Links:

Energy Upgrade California Homepage


                  ADVANCED PATH.
You must use a BPI Certified Contractor who will spend about half a day gathering information and pre-testing all aspects of your home that either provide or affect energy usage. This is a very involved information gathering process. This data is entered into a scientific software program, which then lists which energy saving items should be installed to lower your utility costs, specific to your home, in order of cost effectiveness.

A large number of items are considered in this analysis:
  • Insulation
  • Thermal windows
  • Water heater
  • HVAC system
Each has a percentage of savings attached to it. Depending on which item you choose to install or replace, if those items have a projected utility savings of at least 15% you receive a $1,500 rebate. And as the savings increase for other items, the rebate increases, up to a maximum of $4,000.

As home assessment is required to prove the above 15% minimum energy savings. A fee is generally charged, however local grants and reimbursements may many times cover all or part of this fee.  Ask your BPI contractor.