The TECH Clean California Initiative and the Switch is On Campaign Push
The TECH Clean California Initiative and the Switch is On campaign push have a goal to make California the greenest state in the nation. However, the push for statewide electrification of the energy grid has come with its own set of challenges. Let’s look at some of those challenges.
Multifamily incentive program
The Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating (TECH) program is a new California incentive program that promotes the adoption of near-zero-emissions space heating and water heating appliances. It is intended to help California reach its carbon neutrality goal by 2045. This incentive program aims to make it easier for customers to replace their current gas or electric resistance appliances with more environmentally friendly alternatives.
One of the most exciting things about the TECH program is the opportunity it offers to improve the energy efficiency of your home. You can receive incentives for a new heat pump, air conditioner, or electrical panel upgrade. Depending on your location, you may also qualify for incentives from the Southern California Gas company or other local utilities.
Using a heat pump for your space heating and water heating needs is an efficient and cost-effective option that will make your home more comfortable. Heat pumps are ideal for the dry climate of California. In addition to reducing the amount of energy needed to run your home, they reduce the health risks associated with traditional technologies.
Single-family electrification incentives program
The Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating (TECH) initiative is California’s new incentive program for efficient appliances for single-family homes. This program aims to promote the adoption of near-zero emissions space heating and water heating technologies.
The TECH program offers incentives through contractors for the installation of efficient heating and cooling appliances. These incentives are available to customers who install a heat pump water heater or gas-to-electric appliances in their homes, including those located within gas IOU service territory.
Customers can find a contractor for their project by using the Switch is On contractor directory. Also, the program supports a Neighborhood Ambassador program that educates communities about home electrification.
In addition to the multifamily incentive program, TECH also offers incentives for single-family applications. Currently, TECH incentives are available for projects that install heat pump water heaters, electric resistance heaters, and electric resistance air conditioning units.
Aside from the incentives, the initiative also provides a comprehensive workforce development program. For example, the program aims to help Californians learn about clean heating and cooling equipment and to increase the number of participating contractors.
Challenges of designing and rolling out a statewide incentive program
Creating and implementing a statewide incentive program is a big undertaking. This is particularly true for a program designed to promote the use of electricity to heat buildings.
The TECH Clean California initiative is a $120 million effort to help California meet its climate goals. It is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. As part of this strategy, it provides incentives to install clean heating and cooling appliances. For example, a participating contractor can get a rebate for installing a high efficiency heat pump.
One of the most difficult aspects of designing and implementing a statewide incentive initiative is ensuring that all of the incentives are delivered in a streamlined manner. In some cases, a statewide incentive program can take months to implement, and even longer to administer. With that in mind, TECH Clean California has launched a quick start grant program. Eleven projects have been chosen to receive this award.
In addition to the statewide incentive, TECH also has a number of other programs to drive efficient technologies in the market. These include the Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating (HEATS) program, the Building Energy Efficiency Optimal Management (BEOTM) program, and the Better Buildings Initiative for Low-Income Communities (BUILD).
Manifesto from 66 “leading investors” opposed to Proposition 23
In the wake of the recent passage of Proposition 23, which would impose a fee on fossil fuels, a number of “leading investors” in California have released a Manifesto urging voters to vote against the measure. The investors, represented by the Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCOR), believe that the ballot initiative will not make the necessary steps towards clean technology.
Alan Salzman, a venture capitalist, said that “clean technology” is the “next industrial revolution” and that Prop 23 was a “reactionary” move. He pointed to the $9 billion in “clean-tech” investments made in California since 2006. According to Salzman, AB 32, the state’s climate law, is the cornerstone of a global industry transition and will benefit California and the rest of the nation.
