Energy Efficiency
We all use energy in our daily lives to power our homes and offices – lighting, appliances, heating, cooling, and electronic devices. Using energy wisely not only keeps our homes comfortable but also helps keep our energy usage and bills in check. It's also an important step in lowering carbon emissions and reducing the effects of climate change.
There are many different ways to reduce your energy consumption, ranging from free and easy, to expensive and extensive, but the thing to remember is that they all save you money! Swapping out older, energy-hungry appliances for those with an EnergyStar® rating or switching to LED light bulbs are effective ways to cut down on energy use and lower your utility bills.
See the documents below for more money saving tools and programs!
For more information on what Nevada County is doing to serve the community, please visit our Climate Resilience page.
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Residential Programs
Backup Power Support: Generator and Battery Rebates
- The rebate is $300 per qualified customer. If you participate in PG&E’s CARE or FERA programs, you may receive an additional $200. In order to be eligible, you must have an active PG&E account and be located in a Tier 2 or 3 High Fire Threat District or be serviced by an Enhanced Power Safety Settings (EPSS) circuit.
- Golden State Rebates offers immediate savings on smart thermostats, room air conditioners, heat pump water heaters, and gas tank water heaters.
- HomeIntel helps customers with a customized energy reduction plan based on how energy is used in their home. HomeIntel starts by creating an energy profile of the home using Smart Audit, which automatically accesses the resident’s PG&E account for energy data. Next, the customer is guided through an interactive tutorial on how energy is currently being used and how to plan to save energy and money while reducing GHG emissions. Smart Audit sends the customer a monthly report that shows the progress through this program. This PG&E program is available to PG&E customers at no cost who have lived in their residence for a year or more, and do not have any solar PV installed.
- Provides energy efficiency program services to PG&E, Pioneer Community Energy, Sonoma Clean Power, and Redwood Coast Energy Authority customers in the following Northern California counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Mendocino, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sierra, Sutter, Tuolumne, and Yuba.
- Offers rebates, free energy efficiency kits, and free home assessments to residential energy customers in their regions.
- Assistance accessing rebates for energy efficiency upgrades for small business will be coming soon.
Self Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)
- SGIP is a financial rebate program for qualified PG&E residential AND business customers installing battery storage systems.
Low-Income Programs and Rebates
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
- The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program is an ongoing monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity. You can qualify for this program based on your income or public assistance programs that you participate in, including but not limited to CalFresh, SNAP, Medicaid, or Medi-Cal.
Disadvantaged Communities -- Single-Family Affordable Solar Housing (DAC-SASH)
- The DAC-SASH program provides qualifying low-income homeowners upfront rebates to completely or partially cover the costs of installing a solar electric system. Depending on the income level, homeowners may be eligible for an entirely free system, or a highly subsidized one. The DAC-SASH program is structured to provide access to solar technology while also providing green jobs training, employment, and community engagement opportunities. The DAC-SASH program is administered by GRID Alternatives; to apply, click here PDF in HTMLResidential PDF in HTMLResidential Programs PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML PDF in HTML.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA)
- Households of three or more are eligible for an 18% monthly discount on electric rates.
PG&E Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program
- PG&E’s Energy Savings Assistance Program provides income-qualified customers with energy-saving improvements, such as home repairs and appliance upgrades, at no charge.
Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH)
- REACH helps low-income families keep their utility bills turned on during hard times, providing an energy credit for up to $300.
SGIP Residential Solar and Storage Equity (RSSE)
- RSSE is a specific budget category under the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). If you make up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) or participate in CARE, FERA, or ESA, and are enrolled in a demand response program, RSSE may cover the full cost of solar and battery storage installation.
Non-Residential Programs
PG&E and Ecology Action NetOne Program
- NetOne is a commercial energy efficiency program aimed at PG&E customers with over 50kW annual energy usage, such as grocery stores, hotels, large retail or office locations, restaurants, and warehouses. This program offers an array of energy efficiency services, including technical and engineering support, project management, on-bill financing, and rebate/incentive processing. Current available rebates include lighting, refrigeration, HVAC controls, and heat pump water heaters.
PG&E Rebates and Incentives for Businesses
- PG&E offers business customers rebates and incentives for more efficient appliances under various categories including agriculture and food processing; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; refrigeration; insulation; water heating; and laundry equipment.
PG&E On-Bill Financing for Equipment Efficiency Upgrades
- PG&E also offers financing to replace old equipment with more energy efficient equipment, with 0% interest loans from $5,000 up to $250,000.
Federal Incentives and Tax Rebates
The U.S. Department of Energy has set up Energy.gov to provide an easy-to-understand resource for homeowners, renters, business owners, and drivers to save money and reduce energy consumption. Check out the Energy.gov website's Energy Savings Hub for more information.
If you are experiencing energy insecurity, assistance programs exist to ensure you are able to heat your home, access electricity, and maintain the livability of your residence. Contact Project GO for access to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), water assistance, and if you qualify, access to no-cost energy efficient appliances, home and rental upgrades, and more. Find more information at projectgoinc.org and see if you qualify for assistance by calling (916)782-3443.