Homeowner and Renter Energy Resources

California is committed to helping homeowners and renters reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings and transportation. Get started on upgrading your home water heating, space conditioning, cooking appliances, and electrical vehicle (EV) charging equipment. Find benefits of electrification, tips on avoiding panel upgrades, rebates and loans.

Go to: General Information | Information on Electric Appliances, Equipment, and Devices | Information Specific to Renters | Incentives, Rebates, and Financing

General Information

Depending on your circumstances, focus on individual equipment upgrades or make a whole building electrification plan.

  • Replacing a natural gas water heater with a heat pump water heater, or a furnace with a heat pump, is an increasingly popular equipment upgrade. Replacing old conventional equipment with heat pumps improves energy efficiency, reduces your carbon footprint, and in many cases reduces your energy bill.
     
  • Replacing old and inefficient appliances, like refrigerators, gas stoves, or washing machines, with newer energy efficient appliances can lead to improved functionality, a healthier home, bill savings, a reduced carbon footprint, and climate benefits.
     
  • Other measures that help keep your home comfortable, often lower your utility bills, and improve energy efficiency include adding insulation to your attic, sealing ducts, or replacing drafty windows with new high-efficiency windows.
     
  • At present, there are several state, federal, and local utility programs that provide incentives and rebates for the purchase and installation of heat pump water heaters, new appliances, and upgrades to insulation, ducting, and window replacement.

With a whole-building approach, you make a holistic retrofit plan to improve the operations and efficiency of the building.

  • Sometimes it’s more cost-effective to make several upgrades at the same time or to phase in improvements, but this will depend on your budget, timeline, and other constraints.
     
  • You will want to find a contractor to evaluate your building and discuss your needs. Your contractor can often recommend rebates, tax credits, and financing available to help you with the costs for electrifying your building.

Below are links to information and resources that can assist homeowners, building owners, and renters in planning and implementing decarbonization projects.

Electrify Your Home
A consumer electrification hub that provides the latest information about electric upgrades from solar and EVs to heat pumps and induction stoves. For each project, Rewiring America provides rough costs, savings, and other benefits. Also included are step-by-step guides and advice for those interested in each upgrade.

Framework for Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) Reduction Planning: Building Portfolios - PDF
This framework provides guidance to commercial organizations seeking to reduce GHG emissions for their building portfolios and vehicle fleets.

GHG Emissions Reductions Audit - PDF
This resource includes guidance and an accompanying checklist that details recommended services and descriptions of each task that should be carried out for a commercial building-level GHG emissions reduction audit. An owner can use the checklist to validate the scope of the audit.

The Switch Is On
The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) founded The Switch Is On campaign to educate everyone about the importance of home electrification. The website has information on why to switch to electric, tools to help you electrify, incentives, and so much more.

Set of drawings depicting how heat, power, water, and transport systems are linked together within a house

Source: Southern California Edison Building Electrification Fact Sheet
Building Electrification | Edison International

BUDGET AND PHASING
One of the biggest challenges a building owner will face is retrofitting an older building. Upgrades can be expensive and sometimes require electrical panel and wiring upgrades. Although incentive programs can help with the cost, there are many changes a building owner can make when on a tight budget.

PG&E Home Electrification Guide - PDF
This guide to helps PG&E customers maximize cost savings and complete electrification projects as quickly and efficiently as possible, whether they are upgrading one appliance or designing an all-electric home.

A Pocket Guide to All-Electric Retrofits of Single-Family Homes
Redwood Energy created this guide to help homeowners, home renters, utilities, and policy makers who want to replace existing gas appliances with efficient electric alternatives.

Electrify Your Home
A consumer electrification hub that provides the latest information about electric upgrades from solar and EVs to heat pumps and induction stoves. For each project, Rewiring America provides rough costs, savings, and other benefits. Also included are step-by-step guides and advice for those interested in each upgrade.

SERVICE PANEL SIZE
Homes get their electricity when the current flows from the electric utility through the home’s main service panel, also known as a breaker, circuit, or electrical panel. Service panels contain a main circuit breaker for the main wire connection to the utility grid and subsidiary circuit breakers for internal wires. Circuit breakers also protect the structure, wiring, and electronics inside from short circuits and overloads by shutting off electricity to connected wiring when too many appliances draw more current than the panel is designed to handle.

The amount of electric current an appliance uses is measured in amperes (abbreviated as amps or simply A), and most single-family homes have a panel between 60 and 200 amps. Upsizing a panel means increasing the amount of electricity the panel can carry. Upsizing can be expensive and can also present challenges for the utility that may result in additional costs.
 
Most homes should have a large enough main service panel and grid connection to fully electrify without needing to upsize. Large loads, like high-speed electrical vehicle charging or electric cooking, can use up to 40 amps. More common large appliances like microwaves or electric resistance heaters generally use 5 to 10 amps. Most consumer electronics are much smaller loads, using a few amps or less. Circuit-sharing devices can enable two large appliances to share a single circuit that may not be designed to handle both, simultaneously. This device automatically prioritizes the appliance that the customer selected so that the wiring is never asked to provide more electricity than it can deliver.

To determine if your service panel size is sufficient for the electric appliances and devices in your home, create a whole-home electrification plan by yourself or with a contractor. An experienced contractor can explain how to create an effective energy budget and choose devices or wiring options that work for your situation. They may also be able to save you time and money.

A panel may need upsizing when existing circuits cannot handle additional electrical load safely. If you need to upgrade your panel, it will likely cost between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the age of your home. The program GoGreen Home Energy Financing may be able to finance your panel upgrade. You may also be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $600 for an electric panel upgrade. To learn more, visit the ENERGY STAR® Electric Panel Upgrade Tax Credit web page. In addition, check with your utility to learn whether you qualify for local rebates.

Learn more about how to overcome electric panel size limitations by using circuit devices and wiring alternatives in the following news articles from Canary Media:

Learn more about electrifying without panel upsizing:

  • Wire your home for electrification
    Learn more from Rewiring America about wiring your home for electrification, including pros and cons of pre-wiring and panel upgrades, how to determine your panel size, and more.
     
  • PG&E Energy Education Center
    Learn more about how to electrify your building without upsizing the electric panel. Create a free account to enroll in live and on-demand courses. Search for the course titled “Home Electrification Retrofits Without Upsizing the Electric Panel,” which explores the electric code, methods of electrifying without upsizing, and important pitfalls to avoid.
     
  • Watt Diet Calculator
    Created by Redwood Energy, the Watt Diet Calculator uses the characteristics and location of a building to estimate the size of the electrical panel needed for the home. It can help homeowners and contractors determine if a panel must be upsized to electrify the home.

ASBESTOS, LEAD, AND MOLD
In some situations, lead abatement, asbestos removal, or mold removal may be necessary to install new equipment. Contractors are legally required to follow certain rules for abatement. For more information on how to safely handle these situations, consult a general contractor or go to the following links:

HEALTH BENEFITS
Gas stoves and other gas appliances create nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide as byproducts of gas combustion, which are harmful to human health when not properly vented. They also create GHGs, which harm the health of our planet. The American Medical Association and American Lung Association have recognized nitrogen dioxide as a significant health risk, especially for childhood asthma. Using a vent hood that vents to the outside during cooking can reduce residents’ exposure. To eliminate most additional indoor pollution from cooking, use an electric cooktop and oven instead of a gas-burning cooktop and oven.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
Using less energy or using electricity generated with renewable energy resources instead of burning natural gas to power your home or business, reduces the amount of GHGs and other air pollutants emitted.

Cleaner cars mean cleaner air and better health. Electric and hybrid vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions when operating in all-electric mode. This helps reduce smog pollution and cut GHG emissions where you live and work.

BILL SAVINGS THROUGH PEAK LOAD REDUCTION
Most utilities have times of day where electricity use is at its highest and use during these times is more expensive. By shifting when you use electricity for certain tasks (for example, running your dishwasher and doing laundry), you can help reduce the demand during its peak and receive utility lower bills.
 
Check with your utility for local programs to lower your energy use at specific times.

Customers can also see bill savings by taking advantage of load flexibility, also called demand flexibility, the practice of adjusting energy use to match supply. Electricity customers with smart devices, such as thermostats that respond to signals from the grid, can be programmed to automatically shift energy use to times when electricity is cleaner and cheaper, and use less energy when the grid is under stress or supplied by polluting power plants.

As you plan your home upgrade project(s), choosing the right contractor for the job is a critical first step. You want to make sure you:

  1. Vet the quality of their work by getting referrals, three estimates, and checking references in advance. Ask for and review written estimates that include the specific work, equipment names, and cost breakdowns for appliances, permits, and labor.
  2. Some contractors may be unfamiliar with heat pumps for heating/cooling or heat pump water heaters. Be sure to select contractors who are experienced or have received recent training for these new technologies.
  3. Confirm the contractor is properly licensed through the California Contractors State Licensing Board and insured. Make sure the license is current and in good standing. Any contractor performing work of $500 or more (combined labor and material costs) must be licensed to work in California.
  4. Ensure the contractor obtains all required permits. Obtaining permits provides consumer protections, including improved occupant safety, reduced obstacles to selling the property, improved ease in obtaining bank loans and financing on a property, help obtaining jurisdiction inspection of completed construction and receiving Certificate of Occupancy (CO), and staying in compliance with local jurisdiction building codes and regulations. Many federal, state, and utility rebates or tax incentives will only be paid if all permits are pulled.

Consumer guides from the California Contractors State License Board:

Get and Evaluate Heat Pump Contractor Quotes - PDF
Rewiring America’s consumer electrification hub includes a contractor guide. It includes how to find a contractor, understanding a quote, and negotiating the best quote.

To find a contractor search one of these databases:

The Switch Is On Contractor Database
The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) founded The Switch Is On campaign to educate people about the importance of home electrification. Search for a local California contractor by location, specialty, and more. Connect directly with the contractor. Compare quotes and pick the right professional for your project.

The Clean Energy Connection
The Clean Energy Connection by Efficiency First California intends to bridge the gap between homeowners looking for qualified contractors and contractors who support clean energy projects. Efficiency First California is a nonprofit trade organization supporting California’s transition to clean, carbon-free energy.

SMUD Contractor Network
Find a participating Sacramento Municipal Utility District Home Performance Program contractor with this tool. Contractors will recommend improvements, rebate packages, and financing options that fit your schedule and budget.

NOTE: The CEC does not endorse any of the individuals or companies found when using these tools. 

Energy use calculators enable a building owner to estimate energy use based on the characteristics and location of a building and your mix of specific products.

Cool California
Cool California is a California Air Resources Board webpage that provides tools for homes, local governments, schools, and small businesses to save money and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Tools include a carbon footprint calculator, map to recognize local government climate action planning efforts, a funding wizard, and a best practices for K-12 schools.

PG&E Energy Usage Tools
PG&E’s tools can help you manage your energy use more easily and find ways to save on your statement. You can analyze your energy use, get a home energy checkup, or enroll in energy alerts.

Southern California Edison (SCE) Time of Use Appliance Energy Use Cost Estimator
Time-of-use (TOU) plans are part of a statewide initiative designed to keep the electric grid reliable even when energy resources are in high demand. All TOU plans feature energy charges that vary based on time of day, day of the week, and season. TOU plans can help you manage your energy costs. By taking advantage of lower rates on nights and weekends, you can avoid higher weekday rates when energy resources are in demand.

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Energy Management Tool
With SDG&E’s online energy management tool, you can see an overview of your energy use; get current bill and a forecasted bill for the month; review your hourly, weekly, or monthly energy use; analyze your bill to see why it changes; and learn about energy-saving actions specific to your home.

Watt Diet Calculator
Created by Redwood Energy, the Watt Diet Calculator uses the characteristics and location of a building to estimate the size of the electrical panel needed for the home. It can help homeowners and contractors determine if a panel must be upsized to electrify the home.

Xerohome - Home Upgrade Calculator
This calculator helps homeowners and utilities in select cities transition to a low carbon future by providing energy use information tailored to each home. Xerohome provides information on likely energy and bill savings to help users prioritize which upgrades will benefit them most.

Contact your electric utility to find out whether financing may exist to fund energy efficiency and sustainability programs. The utilities also have many educational resources for customers.

Utilities
California’s investor-owned and the largest publicly owned utilities are listed below.

COMMUNITY CHOICE AGGREGATORS (CCA)
A CCA is a city, county, or other qualifying governmental entity who buys or generates electricity for residents and businesses. They work in partnership with investor-owned utilities (PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E).

  • California Choice Energy Authority
    Serving Apple Valley, Palmdale, Lancaster, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Rancho Mirage, San Jacinto, and Santa Barbara.
     
  • Central Coast Community Energy
    Serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz Counties, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, Del Rey Oaks, Grover Beach, Guadalupe, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, Santa Maria, Solvang, Carpinteria, Goleta, and Buellton.
     
  • Clean Energy Alliance
    Serving Carlsbad, Del Mar, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach, and Vista.
     
  • Clean Power Alliance
    Serving Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Arcadia, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Camarillo, Carson, Claremont, Culver City, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, unincorporated Los Angeles County, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Paramount, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills Estates, Santa Monica, Sierra Madre, Simi Valley, South Pasadena, Temple City, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, unincorporated Ventura County, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, and Whittier. 
     
  • CleanPowerSF
    Serving San Francisco.
     
  • Desert Community Energy
    Serving Palm Springs.
     
  • East Bay Community Energy
    Serving Alameda County.
     
  • MCE Community Choice Energy
    Serving Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano Counties.
     
  • Orange County Power Authority
    Serving Buena Park, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Irving, and unincorporated areas of Orange County.
     
  • Peninsula Clean Energy
    Serving San Mateo County and Los Banos.
     
  • Pioneer Community Energy
    Serving Auburn, Colfax, Lincoln, Placerville, Rocklin, Loomis, and most of unincorporated El Dorado and Placer Counties.
     
  • Redwood Coast Energy Authority
    Serving the Yurok Tribe, the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, Humboldt County, and the Cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell, and Trinidad.
     
  • San Diego Community Power
    Serving Chula Vista, Encinitas, La Mesa, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego.
     
  • San Jose Clean Energy
    Serving San Jose.
     
  • Sonoma Clean Power
    Serving Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.
     
  • Valley Clean Energy
    Serving Woodland, Davis, Winters, and unincorporated Yolo County.

REGIONAL ENERGY NETWORKS (RENS)
RENs act as regional energy managers, developing innovative methods to serve customers who historically have not participated in energy efficiency programs.

NOTE: This list is not inclusive of all California load-serving entities. For a complete list of load-serving entities in California, visit Electric Load-Serving Entities (LSEs) in California.

Information on Electric Appliances, Equipment, and Devices

Natural gas consumption in homes is estimated as 59 percent water heating, 32 percent space heating, and 5 percent cooking, according to results from the 2019 California Residential Appliance Saturation Study (RASS). In most homes, water heating and space heating are the two biggest users of natural gas. When converting your home or business from gas to electric, selecting highly energy-efficient appliances and equipment is most cost-effective. All electric devices mentioned in this section are mature technologies with proven track records.

ENERGY STAR Product Finder
The product finder provides information to help you shop for ENERGY STAR-certified products, including product details, rebates, and retailers near you. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label meet strict energy-efficiency specifications and tests set by the U.S. EPA, helping you save energy and reduce energy bills while protecting the environment.

Battery storage enables users to store energy from renewables, like solar and wind, or store inexpensive off-peak electricity, and use it when additional energy is needed at peak times. Batteries also allow homes to keep the power on during an outage.

Battery Storage, Clean Energy Connection
Information about the benefits of battery storage and search by location for contractors who are experienced with battery storage installations.

An electric induction cooktop uses electromagnetism to heat cookware, essentially turning the pots and pans into a source of heat. Because the cookware heats up more quickly, you may find that the total cook time is reduced. For this reason, there may be an initial learning curve when using your new cooktop.

There are many benefits of induction, such as improved temperature control and cooking results, faster heating and cooking of foods, and easier cleaning.

Induction cooktops may need to be installed by a professional, depending on the electrical wiring and power supply in your home. Since induction cooktops may require a specialized outlet or new wiring, be sure to talk to an electrician or contractor if you are looking to replace your current cooktop with an induction model.

The All-Electric Kitchen, The Switch Is On
Learn more about induction cooking and choosing the right appliance. The site also has a list of rebates by geographic area. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) founded The Switch Is On campaign to educate everyone about the importance of home electrification.

An electric heat pump dryer can use less than half as much electricity as the most efficient regular electric dryer. This is because it can heat the air to dry the clothes and then cool that same air to remove moisture. The air is reused in a continuous loop, which means the dryer doesn’t need to be vented to the outside; this could result in further energy savings.

Energy savings and reduced cost for electric heat pump dryers will depend on usage related to load size, frequency of use, and local electric rates. These dryers offer the biggest advantage to consumers with high clothes dryer usage and high electricity rates.

Heat Pump Clothes Dryers, ENERGY STAR
Learn more about the advantages, choosing the right model, and getting the most out of your heat pump dryer.

Electric vehicles play a significant role in fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout California, the country, and the world. Installing an EV charger allows you to charge your car more quickly than a standard 120V outlet and helps further reduce your carbon footprint and your electricity bills by focusing your charging on off-peak times when renewables are typically available. This is especially true when paired with a solar PV or solar battery system.

A Level 1 charger plugs into a 120V outlet (any outlet found in a home). According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the estimated electric range per hour of charging is 2-5 miles. This means if a car is plugged in overnight, a Level 1 charger provides enough electricity to recharge up to 50 miles of driving range. This charger works best for cars that are parked for long periods or are used for shorter commutes. A benefit of Level 1 chargers is there is no installation cost.

A Level 2 charger plugs into a 220V outlet (similar to a clothes dryer plug). According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the estimated electric range per hour of charging is 10-20 miles. This means if a car is plugged in overnight, a Level 2 charger may provide enough electricity to fully charge a 200-mile vehicle. Level 2 chargers are commonly available in public areas. This charger works best for vehicles that are regularly driven longer distances or for drivers who want more time flexibility for charging. Unlike Level 1 chargers, there is typically an added installation cost.

Electric Car Charging Overview, California Air Resources Board
Information about the types of chargers, installation and charging costs, and an EV charging station map.

EV Charger Product Finder, ENERGY STAR
Find products, rebate information, buying guidance and more.

EV Charging Find a Contractor, Clean Energy Connection
Information about faster electric vehicle charging and search by location for contractors who are experienced with EV charger installations.

Best Practices for EV Charger Deployment, Connect the Watts
Scroll down to Connect the Watts: Best Practices and click each PDF to learn more.

Buildings that have conventional central air conditioning systems can have the associated heating component converted from gas to electric by replacing the air conditioner and furnace with an electric heat pump. These systems are available by contacting an HVAC installer or general contractor. An electric heat pump HVAC system is significantly more efficient and generates less GHGs than a conventional furnace system.

There are two primary heat pump systems that building owners and occupants can consider when choosing a heat pump system: ducted systems or ductless systems.

  • Ducted units – These require an outdoor condenser and channel condensed air through the ductwork of a home. Ducted units require more intensive installation if your home does not have ductwork already. These units are favored by some building owners and occupants because of good airflow exchange, filtration, and humidity control. They are also ideal for people who prefer universal control of their home heating and cooling, rather than having to maintain individual units. In general, they are more expensive to install and operate.
  • Ductless units – These are less disruptive to install and maintain the existing interior design of a building with customizable and minimally intrusive placement options. Ductless mini-split units give building owners and occupants much more control over their heating and cooling system. Individual air-handling units work in “zones,” meaning building owners and occupants can adjust the system to heat certain rooms only when they are occupied, instead of constantly heating the entire home. In general, they are less expensive than ducted systems to install and operate.

Heat Pump Space Heating and Cooling Product Finder, ENERGY STAR
Use this list to identify the brands that offer ENERGY STAR-certified equipment.

Mini-Split Heat Pumps Product Finder, ENERGY STAR
Use this list to identify the brands that offer ENERGY STAR-certified equipment.

Space Heating and Cooling, The Switch Is On
Information about the benefits of heat pumps, including how they work, incentives, and finding a contractor. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) founded The Switch Is On campaign to educate everyone about the importance of home electrification.

Heat pump water heaters use electricity to heat water in a storage tank. They are more than three times more efficient than a conventional electric resistance water heater, and the associated GHG emissions are much lower than from natural gas water heaters (including tankless). Heat pump water heaters are available in most retail hardware stores and through contractors.

Heat pump water heaters operate differently than conventional water heaters. When talking with contractors or retailers, be sure to discuss equipment performance and recovery time, installation location, noise, ventilation requirements, and energy use. Make sure the model you invest in meets your needs and expectations. Installing a heat pump water heater in your home may require the services of a plumber as well as an electrician if you are switching from a gas water heater to a heat pump.

Commercial and Multifamily Heat Pump Water Heater Qualified Products List – PDF, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA)
The commercial and multifamily heat pump water heater-qualified products list contains information on residential, multifamily, and commercial products that meet the Advanced Water Heating Specification requirements. These products generally serve five or more dwelling units and have a central plant attached to a circulation system. Commercial products are systems that include a heat pump engine, storage tanks, mixing valves, control systems and connectivity.

Heat Pump Water Heaters Product Finder, ENERGY STAR
Find products, rebate information, buying guidance and more.

Heat Pump Water Heater Fact Sheet
A Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) is a high-efficiency electric water heater that transfers heat from the air into water stored in a tank using compression technology such as those found on all household refrigerators. HPWHs can be sold in a “unitary” tank configuration, similar to common residential tank water heaters, and a “central system” configuration for multifamily and commercial  applications.

Water Heating, The Switch Is On
Information about the benefits of heat pump water heaters, including how they work, incentives, and finding a contractor. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) founded The Switch Is On campaign to educate everyone about the importance of home electrification.

A rooftop solar PV system is one that has electricity-generating solar panels mounted on the rooftop of a residential building.

Rooftop Solar PV Systems, ENERGY STAR
Information on buying or leasing, questions to ask your solar provider when getting a proposal, and how to select a solar provider.

Solar PV, Clean Energy Connection
Information about finding a contractor to install solar.

California Energy Commission Solar Equipment Lists, California Energy Commission
The CEC's solar equipment lists include equipment that meets established national safety and performance standards. These lists provide information and data that support existing solar incentive programs, utility grid connection services, consumers, and state and local programs.

Information Specific to Renters

How can renters help address the climate crisis? Renters can take steps to both reduce their carbon emissions, and in many cases, reduce their home and transportation energy bills. Little things add up.

Lamp icon with chain on/off pull hanging down on right side.
Replace your lightbulbs with LEDs.
Door open slightly into another location
Add foam weatherstripping around doors and windows.
desktop fan
Use ceiling or stand-alone fans to circulate air and improve comfort in specific areas of your home where you spend a lot of time, like your living room and bedrooms.
electric car drawing with plug exiting from rear.
If you are ready for a new car, choose an electric, electric-hybrid, or fuel-cell model.
Smart thermostat drawing with up arrow from top to increase temp and the digital screen reading 78 degrees.
Change the temperature setting on your thermostat. In the winter set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower and in the summer to 78 degrees or higher.
Clothes line with t-shirt hanging to dry.
Line-dry your laundry instead of using a clothes dryer.
Power strip drawing with three sockets and an on/off switch
Use smart plugs and power strips to regulate the energy of appliances.
Electric coffee pot drawing.
Use an electric kettle, crockpot, or toaster oven instead of your gas range and oven.
Electtric stove drawing with one burners and electric plug snaking from rear.
Borrow an induction burner from a local library or utility (available in many communities) or purchase a low-cost countertop induction burner. Visit The Switch Is On (also linked in the incentives section) for more information.
Electric lawn mower drawing, moving left to right.
For yard and garden care, use an electric mower, blower, or trimmer, instead of gas. Also consider manual options first, such as rakes, brooms, and push mowers.

Almost half of all Californians rent their homes and have little to no say in how they are powered. Even if they want to live in healthier, greener homes, they often cannot switch to electric appliances or upgrade the building's electric panel or wiring. That decision is up to the landlord, who may not care about saving energy or reducing energy bills or emissions.

However, there are things renters can do. Many tips throughout this page can be applied to renters; this section provides specific information.

Electrification Strategies for Renters, San Francisco Environment Department

Kitchen Electrification for Renters, The Switch Is On

Renter Checklist - PDF, Rewiring America

Right-To-Charge Policies, Plug In America

Tips for Renters and Rental Property Owners, U.S. Department of Energy

Tips for Renters, BayREN

Your local utility may offer online or in-person educational classes and information and financial programs targeted to renters. Contact your local utility to find out more.

A few programs assist both renters and homeowners.

The Switch Is On – Incentives and Rebates
Search for incentives available in your area. To see eligible programs, click “renters” under “Who Can Apply” in the left-hand column. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) founded The Switch Is On campaign to educate everyone about the importance of energy efficiency and home electrification. The resources include many incentives offered by utilities and regional energy networks.

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)
The CVRP provides rebates from $1,000 to $7,500 for purchasing or leasing new, eligible zero-emission vehicles, including eligible electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles.

Credits for New Clean Vehicles Purchased in or After 2023
Californians may qualify for a credit of up to $7,500 under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D for buying a new, qualified, plug-in EV or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCV).

Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program
A California Public Utilities Commission program providing no-cost weatherization services for income-qualified consumers (homeowners and renters). A list of related statewide programs for income-qualified households is provided.

Energy Upgrade California
The California Public Utilities Commission program pays consumers to save during Flex Alerts. PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E customers are eligible to sign up for the  Power Saver Rewards program.

GoGreen Home Energy Financing
The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority within the State Treasurer’s Office administers the GoGreen Home Energy Financing program. The program partners with lenders  and approved contractors to offer low-interest loans to homeowners and renters for self-install projects.

HomeIntel
HomeIntel is a free energy-saving program for PG&E customers. It includes a free smart audit account and a personal energy coach.

MCE Community Choice Home Energy Savings Program
Qualifying single-family homeowners and renters can receive a home energy assessment, upgrades, and even gifts with energy-saving products for the whole family — all at no cost. The program is offered in Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties.

Incentives, Rebates, and Financing

There are several new and existing state, federal, regional, and local utility programs that offer financial incentives including tax credits, product rebates, grants, and loans for purchase and installation of products. Support can be based on location or your household income level, location, utility, and building type.

COMPREHENSIVE REBATE LIST
The Switch Is On - Incentives and Rebates
Search for incentives available in your area. The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) founded The Switch Is On campaign to educate everyone about the importance of home electrification. The resources include many incentives offered by utilities and regional energy networks.

How much money can you get with the Inflation Reduction Act?
Rewiring America created an incentives calculator that offers personalized information about tax credits and rebates provided by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. The information is simple with only a few required inputs.

Inflation Reduction Act Residential Energy Rebate Programs in California
When implemented, the federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will provide funding for residential energy efficiency and electrification. For households with low or moderate income, it funds point-of-sale rebates for qualified high-efficiency electric appliances, such as heat pumps for space heating and cooling. The legislation includes funding for contractor training.

Clean Energy for All
The Inflation Reduction Act lowers energy costs for consumers and small businesses while creating good-paying jobs as America’s clean energy economy and manufacturing sectors grow. Learn more below on how you or your family can save on utility bills, get support to purchase electric vehicles and energy-saving appliances, and access the economic opportunities of the clean energy future.

ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides federal tax credits and deductions that empower Americans to make homes and buildings more energy-efficient to help reduce energy costs while reducing demand in the transition to cleaner energy sources.

Green Power Markets
The Inflation Reduction Act incentives reduce renewable energy costs for organizations like Green Power Partners – businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and state, local, and tribal organizations. Taking advantage of Inflation Reduction Act incentives, such as tax credits, is key to lowering GHG emissions and accelerating the clean energy transition.          

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repairs.

Weatherization Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. According to a national evaluation of the program, these weatherization improvements and upgrades save households an average of $372 every year.

Communities in Charge
Funding is available for projects designed to transform EV charging accessibility and accelerate the market. Financing is available for project sites such as schools, health care centers, local businesses, and communities. Communities in Charge is funded by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, implemented by CALSTART, and supported in partnership with GRID Alternatives and Tetra Tech.

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)
The CVRP provides adoption of clean vehicles by offering rebates from $1,000 to $7,500 for the purchasing or leasing of new, eligible zero-emission vehicles, including electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles.

Credits for New Clean Vehicles Purchased in or After 2023
Californians may qualify for a credit of up to $7,500 under Internal Revenue Code Section 30D for buying a new, qualified plug-in EV or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCV).

Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program
A California Public Utilities Commission program providing no-cost weatherization services for income-qualified consumers. A list of related statewide programs for income-qualified households is provided.

Equitable Building Decarbonization Program
The CEC’s Equitable Building Decarbonization Program seeks to reduce GHG emissions in homes and advance energy equity. The program is under development but will have two components: a direct-install program providing decarbonization retrofits to low- and moderate-income households, and the statewide incentive program providing incentives to promote low-carbon technologies in homes to reduce GHG emissions.

GoGreen Home Energy Financing
The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority within the State Treasurer’s Office administers the GoGreen Home Energy Financing program. The program partners with lenders and approved contractors to offer low-interest loans to homeowners and renters as self-install projects.

Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP): Multifamily and Farmworker 
The California Department of Community Services and Development program provides low-income households with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy-efficient upgrades at no cost to residents. There are two components of the program - farmworker housing energy efficiency and solar PV, and multifamily energy efficiency, renewables, and building electrification.

Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
Energy storage rebates for homes, apartments, and critical facilities (such as police or fire stations, emergency operations centers, medical facilities, etc.) are available through the California Public Utilities Commission to electric and/or gas customers of PG&E, Southern California Edison, SoCalGas, and SDG&E.

Technology for Equipment and Clean Heating (TECH) Initiative
TECH Clean California is a statewide initiative to accelerate the adoption of clean space and water heating technology within homes to help California meet its goal of being carbon-neutral by 2045.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
BayREN Rebates
Rebates are available to Bay Area residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

MCE Community Choice Home Energy Savings Program
The program encompasses Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. Qualifying single-family homeowners and renters can receive a home energy assessment, upgrades, and even gifts with energy-saving products for the whole family — all at no cost.

City of Roseville
The City of Roseville offers home and business rebates to lower the cost of your utility service and help pay for a portion of the upfront costs for energy and water efficiency improvement projects.

County of Marin
The County of Marin offers rebates to single-family homeowners for water heaters, furnaces, ranges, and cooktops. In cases where installing a new electric appliance requires a service panel upgrade, additional rebates are available. These rebates can be used in conjunction with BayREN or other regional rebates.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) Rebates
SMUD offers rebates and savings for its customers. Find information about electrifying your home. Rebates for appliances such as induction cooktops, heat pump water heaters, and HVAC systems. Information on the SMUD Home Performance Program (HPP), a whole-house approach that bundles energy-efficiency upgrades to deliver more savings, comfort, and rebate options. Rebates are subject to availability.

Silicon Valley Clean Energy FutureFit Homes Rebates
Get up to $8,000 in rebates for upgrading to new electric home appliances. Plus, additional rebates of $5,000 for income-qualified customers.

Sonoma Clean Power Residential Incentives
Sonoma Clean Power offers incentives to residential customers in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties who are improving the energy efficiency of their homes by purchasing and installing efficient appliances and equipment.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
3C-REN Home Energy Savings
3C-REN, serving San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, programs help residents and multifamily property owners save money and make their homes healthier with energy efficient upgrades. Includes incentives for heating and cooling and water heating

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Electrify Santa Monica
The City of Santa Monica offers home rebates for qualified efficient all-electric equipment. Funding is limited, and applications are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Home Energy Improvement Program
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers residential customers the opportunity to improve their energy and water performance through the Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP). The program is free to eligible customers in the LADWP service area.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s Comprehensive Affordable Multifamily Retrofits (CAMR) Program
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s CAMR program assists L.A.’s low-income, multifamily property owners. CAMR will offer multifamily property owners no-cost property assessments to identify efficiency opportunities to help owners and their residents save energy and reduce costs. In addition, qualified property owners will receive aid with work scope development and contractor procurement.

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Incentive Program
Residents in parts of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties may qualify for this incentive program to offset Level 2 (240V) electric vehicle charger hardware costs. The program funds on a first-come, first-served basis and provides up to a $250 rebate or the cost paid for the charger, whichever is lower. Low-income residents can qualify for a total rebate of $500 or the cost paid for the charger, whichever is lower.

City of Azusa
The city offers residential home weatherization and ENERGY STAR appliance rebates. Products include clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, air cleaner and humidifiers, ceiling fans, LED light fixtures, various electronics, insulation, and more.

City of Pasadena
The Pasadena Department of Water and Power offers rebates on select appliances. Rebates are subject to availability. Current rebates include electric heat pump water heaters, electric and electric heat pump clothes dryers, electric water heaters, electric range/ovens, electric wall ovens, heat pumps, and electrical panels.

Riverside Public Utilities Electric Vehicle Rate Program
Riverside Public Utilities offers customers the opportunity to charge their EV using a separate meter provided by the utility. Single-family homes are eligible and can receive a rebate to cover the cost of the EV meter adapter installation.

SoCalREN Residential Homeowners
A wide variety of resources and energy efficiency programs are available for homeowners interested in making energy efficiency updates or simply understanding more about how to incorporate energy efficiency into their daily lives at home.

SoCalREN Multifamily Program
The SoCalREN Multifamily Program provides technical assistance and incentives to help upgrade your property. Opportunities for improvements can range from a system replacement to a full rehabilitation. The program design is based on an analysis of how your property uses energy and encourages full building-integrated upgrades rather than individual measures.

Building and Home Energy Resource Hub

Contact

Existing Building Decarbonization
existingbldgdecarb@energy.ca.gov

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