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If you’re familiar with the saying “there’s no such thing as a free lunch,” you’re probably wary of anything that sounds too good to be true. While you should scrutinize the terms behind offers of “free money,” there’s no catch to programs like Multifamily Energy Savings which offers no-cost and reduced-cost energy-efficiency upgrades.

Utility energy efficiency programs exist to benefit communities

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) offers incentive programs distributed through regional utility companies in the state as a strategic part of regional and statewide energy planning. The goal is to promote energy conservation and reduce overall energy consumption. Utilities incentivize participation through a range of ways, from free equipment to financial reimbursement. The benefits of energy efficiency programs extend to utility customers and customers of community choice aggregators as well.

How energy efficiency programs benefit customers:

  • Reduces upfront costs: Customers can take advantage of rebates and financing options, making it easier and more affordable to make energy-saving property improvements and install efficient equipment.
  • Lowers energy bills: Energy efficiency programs install equipment that uses less energy than inefficient equipment, reducing energy bills. 
  • Improves comfort and safety: Improvements like better insulation and upgraded HVAC systems can create a more comfortable and safe living space for residents. 
  • Increases property value: Properties with newer, energy-efficient equipment often have higher market values. 
  • Enhances awareness and education: Participating in these programs helps customers better understand their energy use, encouraging sustainable habits that can save more money and benefit the environment. 
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How energy efficiency programs benefit the environment:

Cut down on greenhouse gases

Using less energy means less reliance on fossil fuels, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.

Conserve natural resources

Being more energy-efficient means we need to extract and produce less fuel, helping to preserve natural resources.

Decrease pollution

Using less fossil fuel lowers air and water pollution, leading to cleaner air and a healthier planet.

Increase renewable energy use

Energy efficiency reduces overall energy demand, meaning a bigger share of grid power can come from renewable sources like solar and wind.

Why utilities offer energy efficiency programs:

  • Reduce demand and infrastructure costs: Energy efficiency programs help reduce the peak energy demand, enabling utilities to delay or avoid expensive infrastructure upgrades while also lowering the cost of energy production. 

  • Improve grid management: With reduced and more predictable energy demand, energy grids can be managed more efficiently, improving energy reliability. 

  • Enable regulatory compliance: Utilities can meet government-imposed efficiency targets and avoid penalties, staying compliant with evolving environmental regulations. 

Multifamily Energy Savings is one of the many utility programs the multifamily affordable housing community in the state of California can participate in. It is an Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) program that the CPUC funds and operates for residents within the following service areas: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), SoCal Gas (SCG) and San Diego Gas & Electric® Company (SDG&E®). Connect with the program to learn more.

How are energy efficiency programs funded?

Many programs, like Multifamily Energy Savings, are rate-payer-funded, meaning the program’s funding comes from a small surcharge on customers’ utility bills. The funds are then reserved for energy efficiency projects. A common concern is that this increases rates for customers. However, utility programs lower customers’ average bill by reducing energy use and delaying costly infrastructure projects that would be necessary if demand were higher.

The Public Advocates Office, a state entity representing the public, works to ensure rate increases tied to funding utility programs in California are in the customers’ best interest. As an independent organization, it tracks CPUC developments and recommends alternative solutions to keep energy costs as low as possible. Its staff advises the CPUC on how to prioritize accessibility and equity when making policies and investment decisions.

young couple checking their family budget

As the only state entity representing utility customers in formal regulatory proceedings, the Public Advocates Office plays an important role in managing utility program affordability. It is responsible for making sure the benefits received from participating in energy savings programs exceed the cost of funding them.

Efficiency is achievable with Multifamily Energy Savings

While all ESA programs help residential properties complete energy-efficiency, appliance, and building envelope upgrades, Multifamily Energy Savings specifically serves low-income multifamily property owners and residents in PG&E, SDG&E, SCE and SoCal Gas service territories. Through Multifamily Energy Savings, eligible income-qualifying properties and residents complete common area and in-unit upgrades that save energy and can improve resident health, comfort and safety.

Common upgrades include:

Air and duct sealing

Appliances such as refrigerators
and washers

Lighting

Heating and cooling systems

Insulation

Water heating

Contractor on clipboard

Multifamily Energy Savings also offers additional no-cost services to maximize property and resident savings, such as:

  • On–site energy assessments 

  • Incentive–layering guidance 

  • Technical assistance 

Rate-payer-funded incentive programs like Multifamily Energy Savings help affordable multifamily properties replace aging equipment and improve the quality of life for residents. Ready to reduce energy usage and costs at your property?

Submit an interest form to get started.