Equitable Building Decarbonization Program
California Energy Commission (CEC)
What does it fund?
The Equitable Building Decarbonization Program funds two efforts: the direct install program and an incentives program. Both programs incentivize installation of all-electric appliances, energy efficiency and weatherization measures, and related building upgrades. Targeted program participants are low-income households living in single-family and multifamily dwellings in under-resourced communities.
The goals of the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in homes and advance energy equity. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program will strive to encourage resiliency to extreme heat, improve indoor air quality, improve energy affordability, provide electric grid support, and increase payment of prevailing wage to the implementing workforce.
Who is eligible for funds?
For the direct install program, businesses, local governments, and nonprofits may apply for the role of Regional Administrator. Proposals may be led by community-based organizations (CBO) or include CBOs as subcontractors or both. For this program, CBOs include nonprofit organizations, tribal, or governmental entities that have demonstrated effectiveness representing under-resourced or tribal communities and providing support and services to individuals in those communities.
For the incentive program, will be offered statewide for all-electric appliances. A rebate administrator will be selected through a competitive solicitation to implement the rebate program. Rebates will be offered to California residents. Program Guidelines will be developed with stakeholder input prior to the launch of the program.
How does this program provide benefits to priority populations?
All projects will benefit low-income households located in disadvantaged or low-income communities, or within one half-mile of a disadvantaged community.
Households receiving the no-cost installations will be determined through targeting of building and utility bill data. Regional Administrators and CBOs will conduct outreach to homeowners to conduct the upgrades.
How do I access funds?
Funding opportunities can be found on the CEC’s website. A solicitation for the direct install program will result in three Regional Administrators through a competitive solicitation in 2024. Selection criteria will be outlined in the competitive solicitation. Additional information on program administration can be found by reading the statewide direct install program guidelines.
Other funding opportunities will be available for the rebate administrator. Other contracts are being contemplated to support the direct install regional administrators.
Funding timeline
The Equitable Building Decarbonization Statewide Direct Install Program Guidelines were adopted by the California Energy Commission at a CEC Business meeting on October 18, 2023. The solicitation for Regional Administrators is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2024.
Cumulative Statistics
This is a new program and has not yet implemented any GGRF funds.