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Energy Efficiency
Mariposa County Energy Action Plan
On October 27, 2015, Mariposa County approved the Energy Action Plan (EAP) created by the Sierra Business Council* as the County’s roadmap for expanding energy-efficiency and renewable-energy, as well as the associated cost-savings from these efforts. To view the document, please click here.
*This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.
Here are several ways you can take advantage of this report:
Energy Efficiency Programs & Resources
We use energy every day in our homes and businesses to power our lights, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and other electronic devices. Energy efficient practices allow us to enjoy the comfort and performance of these modern conveniences while keeping our energy use, and our utility bills, low. Upgrades can make a huge difference in your energy bills. For example, replacing outdated and inefficient bulbs with highly efficient LEDs is just one simple change that can save you money each month. Home weatherization improvements, like changing out single-paned windows with double or triple paned, offer better insulation and can also reduce the costs of heating or cooling your home.
Making your home or business more energy efficient is a straightforward process with a variety of rebate and incentive programs at your disposal. Click the following links to learn more about existing programs that can help increase your energy efficiency:
Residential Programs
PG&E Home Money Saver Residential Program
Access the latest rebate information, catalog, and buyers guide for your next energy efficient upgrade with this interactive home money saver tool.
Energy House Calls (presented by PG&E) Residential Program
Use PG&E’s Home Energy Checkup to find out where the energy in your home is being used, and find out more information about projects, rebates and programs that can help make your home more energy efficient and lower your monthly energy costs.
PG&E Assistance Programs Residential Program, Seniors, Low-Income
PG&E offers several assistance programs that lower your monthly bill, help you save energy with no-cost home improvements, or provide one-time payment assistance. Seniors, income-qualified utility customers, and those facing unforeseen hardship may benefit from available programs. Click the link above to learn more.
Business Programs
Sierra Nevada Energy Watch (SNEW) Business Program
SNEW, administered by Sierra Business Council, delivers cost effective energy efficiency projects to businesses, non-profits, and governments in 11 counties across the Sierra Nevada region including Mariposa County. Over 1700 PG&E customers have taken advantage of this program since 2010. The SNEW team provides free audits, facilitates the rebate and incentive process with PG&E and provides guidance in selecting contractors at no charge. Additionally the SNEW team can facilitate PG&E’s 0% on-bill financing program for qualifying energy-efficiency projects. To schedule an audit or discuss your options, call Sierra Business Council at 530-582-4800.
PG&E Rebates and Incentives for Businesses Business Program
PG&E offers non-residential customers rebates and incentives for a variety of energy efficient products for companies, including lighting, HVAC, boilers and water heating, refrigeration, business computing, and more. A full list of current rebates can be found using the PG&E money back tool.
PG&E On-Bill Financing Business Program
Upgrading to energy efficient programs can seem daunting when you have to pay upfront and wait for a return on your investment. However, on-bill financing allows you to spread payments over time through no interest loans. PG&E offers 0% interest loans of up to $100,000. Loans can be used to replace old and inefficient equipment with no up-front out-of-pocket investment. The program allows 5 years for repayment; however, the energy savings continue to accrue after the loan is paid off.
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Business Program, Residential Program
PACE is a means of financing energy efficiency upgrades or renewable energy fixtures on existing structures. In areas under PACE legislation, municipal governments offer a specific bond to investors and then loan the money to consumers and businesses looking to fund a retrofit. Loans are typically paid out over an assigned term of 15 to 20 years via an annual assessment on the property tax bill.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, water, biomass, and geothermal activity. Local renewable energy projects can benefit Mariposa County by creating jobs and generating energy from alternative sources that are abundant and widely available.
Mariposa County Solar Roadmap Business Program, Residential Program
The Solar Roadmap is used to understand what actionable steps will be the most cost-effective for the community as it transitions to renewable energy. Each goal is designed for easy implementation and is prioritized for Mariposa. It provides resources for owners of businesses and residences to learn more about solar opportunities.
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit Residential Program
Homeowners may claim a tax credit of 30% of qualified energy efficient expenditures, such as labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly or original system installation, and piping or wiring to interconnect a system to the home.
Federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit Business Program
A taxpayer may claim a tax credit of 30% for solar, fuel cells, small wind systems or 10% for geothermal, microturbines and combined heat and power systems (CHP), aka cogeneration systems. Qualified expenditures covered include labor costs for on-site preparation, assembly or original system installation, and for piping or wiring to interconnect a system.
Tax Exemption for Farm Equipment and Machinery Business Program
This partial exemption from state sales and use tax applies to solar photovoltaic systems that are primarily used to power farm equipment and machinery. Qualifying systems can be connected to the local electricity grid and used to offset the farm's electricity use via a net metering agreement with the local utility. This tax exemption is also applicable to wind machines and could apply to other energy efficient farm equipment.
Follow these links to learn more about incentives and financing options for PG&E customers who are looking to upgrade to solar energy and save:
PG&E Financing Options for Solar and Renewable Energy System
Water Energy Conservation
There is significant energy used in the transportation and treatment of water. As California approaches its 5th year of drought, reducing water waste helps us conserve the limited water we have, as well as save the energy needed to deliver it.
For more information on how you can conserve water and energy in your home or business, visit WaterSense Indoors and Outdoors. You can also find information about the California Drought Rebate Program here.
Energy Efficiency Job Training Opportunities
As counties, cities and towns across California take advantage of energy efficiency resources and adhere to new environmental regulations, new jobs and opportunities are popping up left and right. Take a look at these sites dedicated to creating jobs, training new workers and giving seasoned professionals the updated information they need.
PG&E Solar Education and Workshops