Central Coast Community Energy Expands Customer Programs

October 6, 2022

Policy Board increases funding for programs;

Incentives to electrify buildings are first to launch

Monterey, CA – October 6, 2022 – Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE) today announced the launch of its first two energy programs for the fiscal year 2022-2023. The Reach Code Program and the Electrify Your Home Program will improve upon previous offerings with the goal of facilitating cost-effective building electrification on a regional scale.

Buildings and transportation are the largest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in CCCE’s service area. CCCE invests millions annually in energy programs designed to assist customers and communities with the transition from fossil fuel energy sources to clean energy solutions. The total budget approved for energy programs offered to customers between October 2022 and September 2023 is $16 million.

CCCE’s Reach Code Program for Member Agencies

Every three years, California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24) are updated by the California Energy Commission (CEC) to reduce wasteful energy consumption in newly constructed and existing buildings. At this juncture, cities and counties have the option to go beyond what is required by the CEC, and instead adopt Reach Codes, building codes designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more aggressively.

Adopting Reach Codes can be a complex and lengthy process for jurisdictions, involving studies, community engagement, and ordinance revisions. CCCE’s past Reach Code Program provided post-codification financial incentives to Member Agencies. This year’s program provides help to City and County staff in conducting the process required to develop, adopt, and implement Reach Codes, which is often a difficult and resource intensive process.

Reach codes can take many forms including prohibiting new gas line hookups in new construction, requiring heating system electrification for major renovations, and requiring electric vehicle charging readiness, to name a few. Of the 33 Cities and Counties that make up CCCE, two have adopted or initiated the process to adopt reach codes.

“The path to zero-emission buildings and transportation is fraught with challenges,” said Jon Griesser, Director of Energy Programs for Central Coast Community Energy. “Our local communities are committed to improving air quality, safety, and protecting the environment for the families, residents, and businesses of the Central Coast. But they’ve also let us know they need a helping hand with some of the heavier-lift items. We’re excited to be able to offer this opportunity for partnership that promises immediate and meaningful benefits.”

CCCE’s Electrify Your Home Program

The Electrify Your Home Program is a CCCE partnership with TECH Clean California. This partnership provides cash incentives to contractors for installing eligible heat pump projects in the CCCE service area. Cash incentives are available when switching gas-powered water heaters and HVAC equipment to all-electric versions. Incentives are available to help cover the cost of purchasing and installing appliances, as well as costs related to electric panel upgrades or replacements.

“We often don’t think about the emissions that come from gas-powered appliances in our homes,” explained Mr. Griesser. “They are real and not only impact the climate, but they also influence health outcomes for many, especially our most vulnerable populations. Again, this is an instance where we want to make doing the right thing both attractive and easy.”

Coming Soon

CCCE expects to launch a third building electrification program later this month. The New Construction Electrification Program, which has already funded the electrification of 1,518 local affordable housing units, will expand eligibility and project types to include farmworker housing units and accessory dwelling units.

Customers can also expect the return of CCCE’s Electrify Your Ride Program, Agriculture Electrification Program, and Electric Bus Program, all with improvements. Cities and counties can also anticipate incentives for fleet electrification.

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About Central Coast Community Energy

Central Coast Community Energy is a public agency that sources competitively priced electricity from clean and renewable energy resources. CCCE is locally controlled and governed by board members who represent each community served by the agency. Revenue generated by CCCE stays local and helps keep electricity rates affordable for customers, while also funding innovative energy programs designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate economic development. CCCE serves 436,000 customers throughout the Central Coast, including residential, commercial, and agricultural customers in communities located within Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz counties. Learn more at 3CEnergy.org and on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @3CEnergy.

For more information:
Central Coast Community Energy
Lena Wallace
Communications Specialist
831-641-7206
lwallace@3ce.org