What is SDHEU?
The San Diego Home Energy Upgrade ( SDHEU) Matching Incentive program provides additional rebates for residential energy upgrades to low- and moderate-income households within the City of San Diego. These rebates, when combined with the Energy Upgrade California rebate, help to offset the cost of whole-house energy improvements.
Who is eligible for the program?
Property owners of both multifamily and single-family residences located in the City of San Diego with a combined household income of no more than $94,200 for a family of four (up to 400% federal poverty level). A complete table of income guidelines based on the number of people in a household is at www.energycenter.org/sdheu.
How is the program funded?
SDHEU is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 as part of the City of San Diego’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants ( EECBG) program. SDHEU rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until June 2013 or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.
What types of upgrades/measures are included?
The first step is a home energy assessment, this will determine what upgrades/measures are needed in the home. To schedule an assessment contact one of the Energy Upgrade California Participating Contractors or Raters, which may be found on www.energyupgradeca.org.
Are there any upfront costs?
The home energy assessment does have an upfront cost, which the Energy Upgrade California Participating Contractor or Rater and the homeowner should discuss prior to the assessment.
How is the contractor selected?
The contractors are qualified and specially trained in building science, and in the comprehensive diagnostic assessment process according to industry standards. They also have a valid California contractor’s license, appropriate bonding, and have agreed to rigorous quality assurance and quality control measures established by the program. Homeowners may choose a Participating Contractor or Rater from the list found on www.energyupgradeca.org, or homeowners may choose to sign up for a Participating Contractor through CCSE's referral system, www.energycenter.org/upgradereferral.
Who receives the rebate payment?
Payment of the rebate may go directly to the homeowner, or may be signed over to the Participating Contractor performing the work, in which case the contractor carries the cost of this project until payment is received. The Participating Contractor or Rater and the homeowner should discuss prior to the upgrades.
What is ESAP?
The Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP) is a no-cost utility-sponsored direct install energy efficiency program for qualifying low-income participants. ESAP was formerly referred to as the Low-Income Energy Efficiency (LIEE) program or simply “The Energy Team.” More information is available at www.sdge.com/energyassistance or (866) 597-0597.
What is MIDI?
The Middle Income Direct Install (MIDI) program is a no-cost utility-sponsored direct-install energy efficiency program for qualifying moderate-income participants. More information is available at www.sdge.com/energyassistance or (866) 597-0597.
Whom do I contact for more information?
Individuals interested in the program should visit www.energycenter.org/sdheu for more information and income requirements. You may also contact Liza Gray at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (858) 244-1177 for information.
