Energy Programs for Residents

​Support is available to help Oakland home owners and tenants improve the energy efficiency of their properties, conserve energy and reduce their energy bills.

Posted: August 31st, 2018 3:44 PM

Last Updated: January 20th, 2021 8:01 PM

Follow the links below for more information on these exciting programs. UPGRADE PROGRAMS

Energy Upgrade California logoEnergy Upgrade California - The Energy Upgrade California (EUC) program helps property owners obtain significant energy savings through guidance on planning and implementing home energy improvements, a directory of certified contractors, and rebates up to $4,500 for a single-family home and $750 per unit for multi-family buildings. Oakland is participating with other communities throughout Alameda County and across the state in offering this program. Learn more about EUC for single-family homes and multi-family buildings. Weatherization and Energy Retrofit Revolving Loan Program - Income-eligible property owners can access 0% interest loans ranging from $6,500 - $30,000 for weatherization and energy efficiency improvements to owner-occupied residential properties of 1 - 4 units. California Youth Energy Services (CYES) - The Rising Sun Energy Center has operated the California Youth Energy Services (CYES) program in Oakland since 2005. CYES provides residents free energy conservation services and hardware. CYES hires and trains local youth to provide free in-home energy audits, education and hardware installation to low-income homeowners and renters.

Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) - Funded through PG&E, the ESA program provides income-qualified renters and home owners with free services to help manage their energy use and save money on their monthly energy bill. ESA provides energy efficient equipment, minor home repairs, and replacement of qualifying old appliances such as refrigerators, furnaces, and water heaters. ESA in Oakland is provided by OCCUR, which also assists low-income customers in applying for PG&E's CARE program.

REBATE AND INFORMATION PROGRAMS

Home Energy Analyzer - Sign up online for the free Home Energy Analyzer (HEA) to get personalized recommendations for saving energy. HEA users around the Bay Area have already used the tool to save money on their utility bills; join them in taking advantage of this valuable resource! California Energy Commission Renewable Energy Program - The California Energy Commission offers cash rebates for selected renewable energy systems that generate electricity. Learn more about the Emerging Renewables Program.

PG&E Programs - PG&E provides incentives and low-cost and investment ideas to help customers save energy and money, energy-efficiency tips for residential customers and ways companies can reduce energy use and save money. Learn more by visiting PG&E's website. Consumer Energy Center - Information on over 70 energy-related rebates available to consumers.

Go Solar California -Learn about solar technology, resources for going solar with your home or business, and other resources through Go Solar California. This website provides an array of solar calculators and a step-by-step guide to getting started with solar.

Smart Solar Program -Run by the Community Energy Services Corporation, SmartSolar is a free independent service for East bay residents and business owners who want to go solar. Services include independent advice on your property's solar potential, a free solar assessment, an objective analysis of your solar or energy efficiency project bids, and assistance throughout your project from proposal to installation. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) -Operated by OCCUR in Oakland, the CARE programprovides education on energy efficiency as well as hands-on assistance for income-qualified consumers in applying for up to 20% in discounts on monthly energy bills from PG&E. REACH (Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help) - This one-time energy bill assistance program helps low-income customers—particularly the elderly, disabled, sick, working poor and the unemployed—who experience severe, uncontrollable or unplanned hardships and are unable to pay for their energy needs. To apply for REACH assistance, contact the Salvation Army at 2794 Garden St., Oakland, CA 94601 or phone (800) 933-9677 or (510) 645-9710 Ext. 201.

LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) - Eligible low-income households can receive weatherization and financial assistance through local governmental and non-profit organizations to offset the costs of heating and cooling. Help is also available for weatherizing homes to make them more energy efficient. For more information call (510) 881-0300.

Services for "Medical Baseline" & Life-Support Customers - Customers dependent on life-support equipment and those with special heating or cooling needs may be eligible to receive a "standard" Medical Baseline quantity of approximately 500 kilowatt hours of electricity and/or 25 therms of gas per month at the lowest price. To apply for Medical Baseline call (800) 743-5000. Hearing impaired (TDD) (800) 652-4712