ME2 City-wide Single Family/Duplex Rebates
Attention: The single family/duplex rebate program is fully subscribed. No new applications are being accepted at this time. All upgrades must be completed and documents submitted by August 15, 2012.
Beginning July 6, the City began accepting applications for rebates funded by federal stimulus funds for comprehensive energy audits and home performance improvements. Rebates can be used to help offset the cost of qualified energy audits and improvements. The amount of the rebate is based on the measured improvement in your home's energy performance.
Audits will help determine what improvements can be made to your home to reduce energy use and improve your home’s safety and comfort, while saving money, reducing greenhouse gasses, and stimulating the local green economy. Tests will be required pre-and post-retrofit to verify improvements and provide quality assurance.
The free low-income weatherization program and the moderate income/neighborhood specific partially subsidized GETS program are still accepting applications. Check the income eligibility table to see if you qualify!
If you have a ME2 rebate reservation: For audits and improvements to be eligible for Citywide Single Family/Duplex ME2 rebates, all work MUST be performed by service providers registered with the City of Berkeley and included on the Registered Service Provider List. You must complete your work and submit your documentation for your rebate by the deadline. Audits and improvements must be performed by service providers that have registered with the City and adhere to the City’s standards. Registered service providers are in no way endorsed or recommended by the City of Berkeley. Standard practice is to get a minimum of three (3) bids and check references prior to hiring a contractor.
- Pre-Project Audit Rebates: Choose an auditor from the Registered Service Provider List to perform your energy audit. Once hired, your auditor will assess the house, conduct tests, review energy use and provide you with an Home Energy Assessment Report and Recommendation. If you decide to proceed with the improvement, your audit rebate will be paid when you file for the improvement rebate. If you do not choose to do any improvements, you may request a $200 per unit audit rebate by submitting the pre-project audit report and the contractor’s invoice to ME2 at the Office of Energy and Sustainable Development.
- Improvement Rebates: The improvement rebate will be based on the post-project audit’s estimate of the percentage of savings resulting from the improvements that your contractor makes. Rebates for both the audit and improvements will be paid to clients upon completion of the improvement work and filing of required documentation. Rebates for the audit are $200 and for the improvements will be based on the change in simulated energy usage, as determined by an energy auditor. A minimum change of 15% is required for an improvement rebate.
- CESC's SmartSolar Program: You can also receive a FREE SmartSolar Solar Assessment for your property in addition to the rebate for your energy efficiency audit! Simply call SmartSolar at 510-981-7750 or email them at smartsolar@ebenergy.org. They will gather some basic information and produce a solar estimate that will clearly explain your options for solar photovoltaic voltaic and thermal, including system sizing, costs, rebates, and incentives that will save you money. It’s all free! SmartSolar is your independent Solar Advisor, a program of the non-profit Community Energy Services Corporation.
If you are on the waitlist for a ME2 rebate OR have not yet applied for a ME2 rebate:
If reservation space opens up, clients will be automatically be provided with a reservation number and notified.
- PG&E Rebate Program: You can still apply for a rebate for energy efficiency improvements through the PG&E Rebate Program. The PG&E rebates are available whether or not you receive an ME2 award but are limited to 400 homes in Berkeley and other cities. A minimum change of 15% is required for an improvement rebate. Your registered vendor can sign you up for the PG&E rebate. The Registered Service Provider List is now available. All vendors on Berkeley’s list are also on the PG&E list. You must use a vendor from this list, in order for work to be eligible for either program’s rebates.
- CESC’s SmartSolar Program: The SmartSolar program will pay $200 towards your energy efficiency home audit by a registered vendor from the City’s list and provide a FREE SmartSolar Solar Assessment along with it! Contact SmartSolar at 510-981-7750 or email smartsolar@ebenergy.org for more information. The SmartSolar Program offers extensive solar consultation so you not only save energy, but create your own with solar. SmartSolar, your independent and free solar advisor, will gather some basic information and produce a free solar estimate that will explain your options for solar photovoltaic and thermal, including system sizing, costs, rebates, and incentives designed to save you money.
Additional Resources for Residential Energy Efficiency
ME2 Rebates Cover Improvements Such As:
- Comprehensive Energy Audit
- Attic, Wall & Floor Insulation
- Draft and Duct Sealing
- Energy Efficient Lighting Improvements
- Door, Window, Furnace & Water Heater Replacements
The more your improvements reduce energy use, the larger the rebate! See chart for rebate amounts:
Initial Rebate Levels Per Dwelling Unit
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Audit Report
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$200
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Performance Improvement
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15% Improvement
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$900
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20% Improvement
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$1,200 |
Each additional 5% improvement
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$750
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Other Rebate Conditions
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Maximum Rebate
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$5,000
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Rebate not to exceed 75% of net project cost (gross cost less PG&E incentive)
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For buildings owned by a business or corporation, rebate may not exceed the cost of audit and materials (may not be used for construction labor)
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Eligibility and Requirements:
To apply for a rebate, you must be an owner of a single family or duplex property located within the City of Berkeley who is not in default on property taxes nor has any City or County liens pursuant to defaults on other payments, fines or judgments. Applicants must agree to all terms and conditions.
If you meet either condition below, associated federal requirements will apply:
1. Properties not owned by an individual or family trust may be subject to Federal Davis Bacon prevailing wage rules. You must include these requirements in the terms with your improvement contractor. For wage determination and compliance information please visit 10-012 Davis Bacon Guidance.
2. Certain work on the exterior of buildings that are on the National Historic Registry or are a designated local landmark is subject to review requirements. Check the Berkeley Historic Property List to make sure your property does not fall under these requirements. If your building is subject, please refer to http://ohp.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=26059 for information on requirements for review. A link to the list of type of work categorically excluded from SHPO review in California is also available there. For more information, see: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/pdfs/historic_preservation_doe_prototype_pa.pdf.
For information on designated buildings and how to comply, please call ME2 at 510-981-7438.
Resources and Links:
Return to Money for Energy Efficiency for Residents
Return to Money for Energy Efficiency Homepage