Berkeley Residents Can Claim up to $8,500 in Energy Rebates

Starting in the Summer of 2010, Berkeley residential and commercial properties will qualify for Federal Stimulus Funding for Energy Efficiency. Single-family and duplex homes may qualify for as much as $8,500, including rebates through PG&E. Commercial and multifamily properties may qualify for as much as $30,000. Rebates can be used to improve comfort, durability, air quality and can work to help you save money on your energy bills.

"The ME2 for Berkeley cash incentives will be provided through federal stimulus funds awarded to Berkeley from the U.S. Department of Energy. ME2 for Berkeley is an important part of Berkeley's efforts to reduce greenhouse gases by 33% over the next 10 years and 80% by 2050 while creating green jobs in our community. " - City of Berkeley

If you would like to learn more about how to qualify for cash incentives for energy efficiency audits and improvements for your Berkeley home or business, attend one of two public workshops:

Tuesday June 15, 6-8pm

North Berkeley Senior Center

1901 Hearst Avenue, Berkeley 94709

or

Thursday June 17, 6-8pm

South Berkeley Senior Center

2939 Ellis Street, Berkeley 94703

To learn more about the City of Berkeley's Climate Action Plan, visit the Berkeley Climate Action Plan.

Program Details for Money for Energy Efficiency (ME2):

Free Weatherization Program (low-income eligible residents)- available now
The City of Berkeley's Weatherization Program provides free energy saving improvements to income-eligible residents. Services vary by program, and can include free attic insulation, weatherstripping, water heater blankets, low-flow shower heads, duct insulation, high efficiency lighting, window repairs/replacement, and ceiling fans.
Check the Weatherization income eligibility chart, or call (510) 981-7773, to see if you qualify.

Subsidized Retrofit Services - available summer 2010
The City of Berkeley proposes to offer subsidized direct installation of home energy improvements in partnership with Rising Sun Energy Center.

City-wide Rebates - available summer 2010
The City of Berkeley proposes to offer rebates to Berkeley property owners who retrofit their buildings to improve energy performance.

My Toilet Isn't Green Enough

As a member of the Berkeley Association's Green Council, I am starting to lose sleep over my eco-inadequacies. I love the original tile in my kid's bathroom, but the pottie is not so hottie. Wasting over 3.5 gallons per flush is not just an embarrassment, it's going to start costing me money.

Two dry winters have resulted in the biggest water supply threat in nearly 20 years (according to EBMUD). To safeguard its shrinking supply EBMUD has declared a severe water shortage emergency. Mandatory water rationing is now in effect. Single family residences are expected to reduce water use by 19%, or face possible fines, water flow restrictions, or loss of water service.

To get me to give up my throne of green for a greener throne, EBMUD offers this pot of gold: EBMUD will rebate $150 or up to the toilet cost, whichever is less, for the purchase of qualifying high-efficiency toilets. They offer this rebate for up to three toilets per household.

EBMUD and PG&E also offer rebates for clothes washers. EBMUD will also come conduct a free on-site survey of indoor and outdoor water use. Residential customers who use at least 500 gallons of water per day during the summer can also receive a rebate of up to $1,000 for a portion of the cost of irrigation system parts and landscape materials, including permeable hardscape. The also offer some instant freebies such as water-saving shower heads and faucet aerators.

Call EBMUD 1-866-403-2683 or click here: (more...)