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Best Practice Guide |
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Local Governments |
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Funding and ApprovalIncentive ProgramsCalifornia energy markets are in a historic period of change. Two forces have been driving this rapid change - deregulation and the emergence of several new technologies designed to improve the efficiency of traditional energy resources or the viability of renewable sources of energy. The widespread availability of enhanced automation for building equipment systems, for example, has markedly reduced energy consumption at many properties. Likewise, improvements in the efficiency of photovoltaic cells have helped the solar industry in its rapid expansion; shipments of solar panels increased nationally by 642 percent between 1992 and 2002. At the same time, the overall growth of technology in everyday government operations has given rise to new demands for energy resources. Cities and counties increasingly rely on an assortment of technological equipment - computers, printers, scanners, faxes, servers - ramping up energy demand on a system already running at near capacity. To meet this demand, energy stakeholders have turned to energy efficiency and renewable energy as viable and cost-effective ways to add needed capacity. These changes have clear benefits for local governments. Never before - and, perhaps, not again - have so many incentive programs offered rebates, grants, tax credits, and expertise to assist with energy efficiency projects. As energy efficiency becomes more commonplace, local governments that wait may not enjoy this same level of support - yet will still be held accountable under California's stringent building codes, like Title 24, the State's Energy Efficiency Standards. Taking full advantage of incentives while government and ratepayer funding is still widely available is in every local government's self-interest. Saving a kilowatt is cheaper than generating one. Incentive programs are a win-win-win situation - good for the state and good for California ratepayers. Speak with your local utility before implementing energy upgrades to determine which incentive programs might be right for your project. You can also research incentive programs through the Flex Your Power website. Resources Flex Your Power online, searchable tool to locate Rebates, Grants, and Loans. Includes programs administered by utilities, water agencies, and public and private organizations across the state. The Tax Incentives Assistance Project is designed to give consumers and businesses information they need to make use of the federal income tax incentives for energy efficient products and technologies passed by Congress as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Financial Opportunities website lists current and past solicitations from EERE and provides specific funding information for business, industry, and universities, as well as consumers, federal energy managers, inventors, states, and tribes. Commercial Building Tax Deduction Coalition website offers information on the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Rebates and Programs webpage. Pacific Gas and Electric Rebate and Incentive Finder. Sacramento Municipal Utility District Incentives and Financing webpage. San Diego Gas & Electric Rebates and Incentives webpage. Southern California Edison Rebates and Savings webpage. Southern California Gas Company Rebates and Energy Efficiency webpage. |