Are you looking for ways to take control of your home’s energy and ensure resilience during power outages? The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) offers a groundbreaking opportunity through the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). This initiative is essentially a new program where customers care for themselves by investing in energy storage technology, empowering households and businesses to secure their power supply.
SGIP provides significant rebates for the installation of advanced energy storage technologies, including battery storage systems, at both residential and commercial properties. Imagine having the capability to power essential appliances and systems when the grid goes down. Depending on the battery system and your energy usage, you could maintain power for several hours, or even longer, transforming battery storage into a cornerstone of robust emergency preparedness.
Recognizing the increasing risks of wildfires and Public Safety Power Shut-offs (PSPS), the CPUC has committed over $1 billion in funding through 2024 to bolster the SGIP program. This substantial investment prioritizes communities most vulnerable to power disruptions. Specifically, funding is targeted towards those residing in high fire-threat zones, areas with a history of multiple PSPS events, and low-income or medically vulnerable residents. Furthermore, critical facilities that play a vital role in community resilience during emergencies are also eligible for these crucial funds.
Navigating the SGIP application process might seem daunting, but expert help is readily available. The most effective first step is to connect with a qualified installer who can guide you through each stage of the application. To simplify this process, utilize the CPUC’s online [“Find an Installer” Tool](/-/media/cpuc-website/files/uploadedfiles/cpucwebsite/content/news_room/newsupdates/2020/copy-of-sgip-installer-look-up-tool-may-2020-v2.xlsx “”Find an Installer” Tool”). This tool helps you locate installers in your vicinity, although it’s important to note that the CPUC does not endorse or recommend any specific installer listed. The directory is based on voluntary submissions from installers.
For those seeking financial assistance to complement SGIP rebates, the Golden State Financing Authority offers a dedicated program. You can explore their offerings in detail at: http://gsfahome.org/programs/arp/overview.shtml . As with installers, the CPUC does not endorse or recommend any participants in this financing program.
Understanding Eligibility and Maximizing Benefits
To access SGIP rebates, customers must meet specific eligibility criteria. For comprehensive details regarding eligibility requirements, it’s essential to consult the Brochures and Fact Sheets provided by SGIP administrators and to contact your designated Program Administrator directly if you have questions.
SGIP features two enhanced rebate categories designed to maximize benefits for vulnerable communities: “Equity” and “Equity Resiliency”. These categories are specifically structured to prioritize lower-income households, medically vulnerable individuals, and communities at high risk of fire, ensuring they have preferential access to competitive incentives for battery storage adoption.
The “Equity” and “Equity Resiliency” SGIP rebates are designed to significantly reduce, and in many cases eliminate, the upfront cost of energy storage technology. Eligible customers can receive substantial rebates: $850 per kilowatt-hour under the “Equity” category and an even more impactful $1,000 per kilowatt-hour under the “Equity Resilience” category. These significant incentive levels mean that for many homes and facilities, energy storage system installation can be virtually free.
For in-depth information on eligibility pathways within the Equity Resiliency budget, detailed matrices are available for both Residential and Non-Residential customers. These resources provide clear guidelines to determine your potential eligibility.
Please note important updates: As of December 2020, the Equity budget statewide is largely committed and operating on a waitlist, with exceptions for SoCal Gas and SCE in the residential sector. Additionally, the Equity Resilience budget within PG&E territory is also currently exhausted and has a waitlist.
Another December 2020 Update pertains to customers relying on electric well pumps for Equity Resiliency budget eligibility. These applicants must now:
- Demonstrate an annual household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Certify that the installation site is their primary residence, occupied by either the homeowner or tenants.
- Confirm that the residence does not receive water from a municipal or private utility.
This updated requirement applies to applications submitted after August 17, 2020, that had not yet received a “confirmed incentive reservation” as of October 22, 2020. Further details are available in Decision D.20-10-025.
Take Control of Your Energy Future
Local Program Administrators in your area are actively conducting outreach to provide comprehensive information about SGIP. We strongly encourage you to reach out to them to gain deeper insights into program eligibility, current incentive levels, and application procedures. Your designated Program Administrator is determined by your utility provider.
For broader information regarding the CPUC and the Self-Generation Incentive Program, please visit the official CPUC website. Embrace this new program where customers care for themselves and take a proactive step towards energy independence and resilience.
