California Center for Sustainable Energy

Engage 360 and Energy Upgrade California launched

California has two new online resources for energy information, rebates and more that are designed to assist consumers in making wise energy decisions and to inform the building industry about energy and water efficiency programs. The websites will help reduce confusion about the myriad conservation efforts statewide and will provide "one-stop shops" for information regarding energy upgrades in homes and businesses.

About three-quarters of California homes and apartments and half of the commercial buildings were built prior to the 1982 Title 24 Energy Efficiency Building Standards. Reducing the energy use in these older structures will help us save energy and money and reduce our impacts on global climate change.

Web Portal “Engage 360”

Engage 360 is California’s new energy efficiency brand for its consumer energy campaign. In addition to educating customers about energy efficiency and conservation, it also encompasses other demand-side programs, energy alerts and ways to make smart energy decisions a part of the California lifestyle. Over the next several years, the campaign will include grassroots efforts, mass and local media and online social marketing through the web portal.

The web portal provides information, opportunities to take actions and a forum to exchange experiences and knowledge. It works like many social networking sites, and there are multiple ways to use the portal. By registering as a member, you can join groups and make comments on content posted by others or contribute articles to the site as a registered subject matter expert to provide resources for other users.

Engage 360 was created by the California Public Utilities Commission ( CPUC) and the state’s investor-owned utilities. Its creation was spurred by the California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan that recognized the need to provide Californians with clear and relevant options on how to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support clean energy solutions. Engage 360 is a statewide effort, and its partners include the California Energy Commission and the California Air Resources Board.

Energy Upgrade California

Energy Upgrade California is an unprecedented alliance among municipalities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and utility companies to continue California's efforts toward greater energy efficiency. Among the goals of this statewide effort is to serve as the central resource for consumers and contractors to learn about all energy efficiency upgrade programs.

The website will focus on the many energy and water efficiency programs and financing options that will be available during the next several years including the state energy programs, utility company home upgrade programs, local rebates, appliance and renewable energy rebates and energy financing programs. The aim is to provide a consistent and clear message regarding how consumers can choose the best energy-efficient measures and the right contractors to provide those services. In addition, the site will educate the building trades and home improvement industry on jobs, training and required certifications.

Energy Upgrade California is managed by the California Energy Commission with input from the CPUC, utility companies and various cities and counties. Funding for the program comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, California utility ratepayers and private contributions.

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