Energy Rebate Programs in Los Angeles
Make Your Home Appliance Upgrades More Affordable
It’s expensive to own a home, and one of the most significant costs associated with homeownership is energy. Whether it’s your gas or electric bill, it can be a source of anxiety whenever a new statement arrives in the mail.
Fortunately, however, there are rebate programs that can directly reduce your energy costs and even make it possible to replace old appliances with newer ones that may be difficult to afford outright.
If your household qualifies as low- or moderate-income, you may qualify for these rebates under the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA), California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA), or Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
Keep reading to learn more about these programs and contact Reliable Home Comfort to learn how we can help you take advantage of them.
High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA)
HEEHRA is a federally funded program that provides rebates to homeowners who replace their gas-burning appliances with electric alternatives. If you own a water heater, furnace, or a similar appliance powered by natural gas, you may be eligible for a rebate when you replace it with an all-electric model, such as a heat pump.
Eligibility for HEEHRA rebates depends on household size and income. The program primarily targets low- and moderate-income households to ensure equitable access to energy-efficient technologies.
Low-Income Household Qualifications
Families earning less than 80% of the area median income (AMI) may qualify for rebates that cover 100% of the cost of eligible electric upgrades, up to $8,000.
Moderate-Income Household Qualifications
Those earning between 80% and 150% of the AMI can receive rebates that cover up to 50% of the costs of qualifying upgrades but not more than $4,000.
How to Get Started
If you wish to take advantage of the HEEHRA rebate, the first step is to determine your eligibility. Once you confirm your eligibility, you should identify the appliances you wish to upgrade and their energy-efficient counterparts.
Working with a qualified contractor such as Reliable Home Comfort, however, can make this process easier. We can help you determine your options for replacement under HEEHRA and explain how you can apply for the rebate.
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) & Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA)
CARE and FERA are programs operated by the California Public Utilities Commission that both offer a discount on electric and natural gas bills to low-income households. Qualifying for either of these programs can help you increase your energy savings.
If you qualify for CARE, you can reduce your monthly electric bill by up to 35% and reduce your natural gas bill by 20%. Qualification is possible if you meet the state’s income limits or if you’re enrolled in certain public assistance programs.
If you qualify for FERA rebates, you can reduce your electric bill by as much as 18%. Click HERE to learn more.
Qualifying for CARE & FERA Rebates
You can qualify for CARE and FERA rebates based on your income level and household size. If your income exceeds the limit for CARE, you may qualify for FERA if your income falls within that program’s income limit range.
For example, a family of four earning $65,000 annually would not qualify for CARE because the program's income limit for that household size is $60,000. However, they could qualify for FERA rebates because their income falls within the $60,001 to $75,000 range allowed for a family of four.
Qualifying for CARE with Public Assistance
You may also qualify for CARE if you are enrolled in one or more of California’s public assistance programs.
Such public assistance programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- CalFresh or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Tribal TANF
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medi-Cal for Families (Healthy Families A & B)
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
If you qualify for either of these programs, you might be surprised to find how much you can save on your annual energy costs.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
WAP is a federal initiative designed to help low-income households reduce their energy costs by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. This program can lower utility bills and enhance the overall comfort and safety of a home.
What Does WAP Do?
WAP can help low-income households save an average of $372 per year on energy costs by incentivizing investments in weatherization projects that improve a home’s energy efficiency.
Such projects can include HVAC maintenance, water heater repair and replacement, as well as installing new insulation.
Who Qualifies for WAP?
Eligibility for WAP primarily depends on income, prioritizing households with limited financial resources.
Specific qualifications include:
- Income level: The household income must fall at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Priority groups: Priority is often given to individuals who are elderly, disabled, or families with young children.
- Participation in other programs: If someone in the household is already receiving assistance from programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children, they may automatically qualify.
How Do I Apply for WAP?
Although WAP is a federal initiative, it’s administered in California via the state’s Department of Community Services and Development. You can learn more about applying for WAP on the state’s website.
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